History

QUICK BACKGROUND

Theatre first began in Greece and then eventually made it's way to Rome. It existed as more of a ritualistic thing and had a very social significance to it. Because theatre was one of the only forms of entertainment, the popularity of theatre at first was very high, but seemed to decline during the Middle Ages.

WHERE THESPIAN CAME FROM

Thespis, is a figure (which we know VERY LITTLE about) who won the play competition in honor of the greek god Dionysus in 534 B.C. It is uncertain whether Thespis was a playwright, an actor or a priest, but it is his name that the arts are associated with "Thespian".

THEATRE IN AMERICA

The birth of theatre is believed to have begun with the Lewis Hall troupe that arrived in Williamsburg, Virginia in 1752. Although the first theaters to actually be built in America were in Williamsburg in 1716, New York in 1732 and Charleston in 1736.

George Washington seemed to play an important role in the "new" theatre that was to come about. This is because many restrictions were put against the theatre at one point. But Washington himself relaxed the laws and restrictions because he is known to have been something of a theatrical enthusiast and to have frequently attended New York theaters.

Such things as wars and laws have effected theatre since it started. Burlesque, where females in male roles mocked the politics and culture of the day, became a popular form of entertainment by the middle of the 19th century. Criticized for its sexuality and outspokenness, this form of entertainment was hounded off the "legitimate stage" and found itself relegated to saloons and barrooms.

The massive social change that went on during the Great Depression also had an effect on theater in the United States. Plays took on more social roles, identifying with immigrants and the unemployed.

Theatre's population throughout the time it's existed in America has fluctuated. At first, everyone was going to theatre programs enjoying the entertainment (rare entertainment at the time). But as laws and restrictions were constantly being enforced then lifted and new forms of entertainment popped up, theatre's population began to slowly decline.

I had a problem trying to find WHO went to theatres, but it seems that because theatre was so popular when it was first brought to America, that many adults (and possibly children? depending on the play?) were going to theatres.

I THOUGHT THIS SUMMED THINGS UP NICELY...

The stage has forever been a place where political issues have been examined. The ritualistic and social significance of the earliest Greek performances in central arenas brought relevance to many controversial topics, a pattern that has not subsided to this day. According to Wikipedia, "Political theater is drama or performing art which emphasizes a political issue or issues in its theme or plot.... Political theater can also be defined as exploring themes more universal and central to society itself, especially when that society defines itself as politically conscious."