Theater and Arts
The World of Theater: ‘What It Is to Be Human’
Celebrated author and playwright Oscar Wilde once described theater as the ‘greatest of all art forms.’ Although he made this assertion back in the 19th century, it is one with which many people today would no doubt agree.
This blog site is intended for all those who have an abiding passion for the stage, from hard-core Shakespeare fans to professional (or aspiring) playwrights and actors. Here, readers will find insightful blog posts on a range of subjects about the theater, which, as Wilde himself once said, represents the best way to experience ‘what it is to be human.’
The History of Theater
11 Jun 2021
Theater began in Greece from around 384 to 322 BC. The word came from the ancient Greek word theatron, meaning a viewing place. In English, the same word translates to theater, suggesting a building or an outdoor area where you can stage dramatic presentations, entertainment, and other motion-picture shows.
Famous Plays by Shakespeare
19 May 2021
William Shakespeare is perhaps the most influential and well-known playwright in human history. During his short 52 years, Shakespeare changed both his society and future literature. With a portfolio including 39 plays and 154 sonnets, The Bard of Avon secured his place in world history.
Most students in the US have, or will have to, endure a semester of Shakespearean works. While many of us enjoyed the experience, there are quite a few who felt otherwise. Whichever way you lean on the topic, none of us can deny the persistence of his impact.
From movies to music, Shakespeare has influenced the history of our world. The works of the Bard have been translated into every language on earth. Students know the tragic tale of Romeo and Juliet, the betrayal of Julius Caesar, and the drama of Hamlet.
The Plays the Thing…
Shakespeares writing was not what he was initially known for. His original desire was to perform. William began as an actor, appearing in productions for other playwrights. His writing career began at some point in his mid-to-late-twenties. By this time, he had married Anne Hathaway, and their marriage had produced three children.
Let us examine the breadth of one of the world's greatest dramatists.
Historical Pieces
- Richard II
- Richard III
- Julius Caesar
- Henry IV - Parts 1 & 2
- Henry V
- Henry VI
Comedic Pieces
- The Comedy of Errors
- The Taming of the Shrew
- Two Gentlemen from Verona
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream
- Merchant of Venice
- Much Ado About Nothing
- As You Like It
- Twelfth Night
- All’s Well That Ends Well
- The Merry Wives of Windsor
Tragic Pieces
- Romeo and Juliet
- Julius Caesar
- Othello
- Hamlet
- Macbeth
- King Lear
- Antony and Cleopatra
- Coriolanus
Romantic Pieces
- Cymbeline
- The Winter’s Tale
- The Tempest
- Pericles, Prince of Tyre
- Henry VIII
- Two Noble Kinsmen
- Titus Andronicus
Wherein I’ll Catch the Conscience of the King
Through his work, William Shakespeare influenced over 500 years of writers. The ripple effect from this has impacted the world in ways we cannot understand. Humanity has changed in part due to the understanding of motives and moralities in Shakespeare's works.
Governments, religions, and the arts have benefited from changes brought about by Shakespeare. Yes, in today’s modern era of understanding, some views expressed are abhorrent. A comedy involving the rape of a woman would not be accepted in today’s culture. The stereotyping of a Jewish merchant would be anti-sematic. The lack of people of color in a modern play would be concerning. Shakespeare may have bet on cockfights, which were popular among the masses in that era. Yet, in context, the world was a different place. Today, the Bard might have written Hamilton.
We who groan about reading Shakespeare know that the work of a man can last for hundreds of years is promising. Maybe, one day someone will find a remnant of something from our society and be in awe. Chances are, it won’t have anything to do with online casinos.
An Incomparable Theater Experience at the Globe Theater
6 May 2021
Seeing William Shakespeare's plays live on stage is a way of appreciating them in all their glory. A live theater experience offers a unique perspective of the art. The English playwright wrote plays to amuse live audiences. Notably, his plays were for the people during the Elizabethan era.
Oscar Wilde's the Picture of Dorian Gray
22 Mar 2021
The Picture of Dorian Gray is one of Oscar Wilde's masterpieces. One of the timeless lessons it teaches is that everybody is free to live life. And based on their life experiences, they can decide what's right or wrong and how their decision will affect their future.