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An Argument Against Contemporary Theatre: A Critique of Its Lack of Relevance, Accessibility, and Artistic Merit

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Published in Mis Directing The Play: An Argument Against Contemporary Theatre

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Mis-directing the Play: An Argument Against Contemporary Theatre

by Terry McCabe

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	447 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Print length	:	130 pages

Contemporary theatre is often criticized for its lack of relevance, accessibility, and artistic merit. This article argues that these criticisms are valid and that contemporary theatre needs to change in order to remain relevant and accessible to audiences.

Lack of Relevance

One of the main criticisms of contemporary theatre is that it is often irrelevant to the lives of everyday people. This is due to a number of factors, including the fact that contemporary theatre is often produced by and for a narrow elite, and that it often deals with abstract or esoteric themes that are not relatable to the average person.

For example, a recent study by the University of California, Berkeley found that only 12% of Americans attend live theatre performances on a regular basis. This suggests that the vast majority of Americans find contemporary theatre to be irrelevant to their lives.

Lack of Accessibility

Another criticism of contemporary theatre is that it is often inaccessible to the general public. This is due to a number of factors, including the fact that theatre tickets are often expensive, and that theatre performances are often held in venues that are not accessible to people with disabilities.

For example, a recent study by the National Endowment for the Arts found that the average ticket price for a Broadway show is over $100. This makes it difficult for many people to afford to attend live theatre performances.

Lack of Artistic Merit

Finally, contemporary theatre is often criticized for its lack of artistic merit. This is due to a number of factors, including the fact that contemporary theatre is often more concerned with shock value than with substance, and that it often lacks the technical skill and craftsmanship of traditional theatre.

For example, a recent review of a contemporary theatre performance by the New York Times said that the performance was "more like a circus than a play." This suggests that contemporary theatre is not meeting the standards of artistic excellence that have been set by previous generations of theatre artists.

, contemporary theatre is often criticized for its lack of relevance, accessibility, and artistic merit. This article argues that these criticisms are valid and that contemporary theatre needs to change in order to remain relevant and accessible to audiences.

Specifically, contemporary theatre needs to become more relevant to the lives of everyday people, more accessible to the general public, and more focused on artistic merit. By making these changes, contemporary theatre can regain its relevance and appeal to a wider range of audiences.

Mis-directing the Play: An Argument Against Contemporary Theatre

by Terry McCabe

4.7 out of 5