Theatre is magic
I will never forget the first time I watched Mad Max: Fury Road at the cinema — I was transported to the post-apocalyptic wasteland and was on the edge of my seat till the credits started rolling. The cinema experience really cannot be matched by a home setup.
But there’s one type of experience that surpasses the magic of cinema for me— watching a great play at the theatre. The immediacy of the moment, a moment the audience shares with the actors, is uniquely powerful. You inhabit the world of the play. In a sense you are a part of this world. The connection you feel with a masterful play as you watch it is unrivalled. I was reminded of this as I watched a RSC production of Roald Dahl’s The BFG today. Just seeing how it used the set, props, puppetry, and heart to bring us on the journey into a world where giants eat human beans felt so special.
If ever you’ve wondered what the big deal was about plays, consider this a sign. You don’t need to watch pretentious black box shows to prove your literary chops. Just choose a show that makes you curious or sounds fun – be it a musical or a comedy, or even…a tragedy. But watch in person.
I mean why not? Theatre is magic.