Like every week we post a book review on a subject related to acting, health, personal growth or anything related to the showbiz industry. This time it’s a book called “The necessity of theater” by Paul Woodruff that analizes why Theater became so popular, and why every society throughout history has had some form of social gathering to “watch”.
It’s a very interesting subject and almost like a modern “Poetics”. The book presents itself as a provocative call to arms that dares to reconsider the nature of theater and convincingly explains why drama has to be a part of contemporary society. Its tagline is:
The art of watching and the need to be watched.
In the book several subjects are covered: What is really unique and essential to us about theater? What separates theater from other arts? What about sporting events? Engaging audiences as the job of the performer.
According to the author Theater is as necessary and powerful as language itself. Providing us with a service needed by society as a whole and us as individuals.
So, Is it worth reading? I would say this is one of those books that can really enrich you both as an actor and as a person. It’s a smart way of looking at an overlooked subject, that can get you thinking until odd hours of the night about what it said. I highly recommend this as one of those MUST HAVES.
I love these articles. How many words can a wrsodmtih smith?