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Trevor Buce Theatre Module #2 1/30/12

Secular and religious theatre were both expressions of the feelings and current events that occurred in the time that they took place. Though similar on the surface, the reasons for which both secular and religious theatre are performed is very different. Religious theatre’s purpose is to please the gods and secular theatre’s goal is to make money by providing a community with entertainment.

Religious theatre holds its origins in antiquity and has always served as a human outlet to please the gods and the church for which the plays are performed. One of the most interesting forms of religious ritual drama is that of the Hopi Indian tribe. In this performance, the Hopi connect with the gods by dressing up as the gods and dancing. This ceremony involves many different people in the community. “[Kachina] performances involve all members of the community in varying responsibilities for the ongoing ritual drama.” (Arnold). The Hopi ask their gods for good weather and a plentiful harvest.

Secular theatre, however, is driven by money. In secular performances, man is the focus- not the gods or church. This change in theatre was brought about by the renaissance. During the renaissance, more emphasis was put on the importance of mankind rather than on supernatural gods, so this is the theme that most acting troupes showcased. Tickets were sold to an audience in order for an acting group to make a profit.

In conclusion, both realms of plays have been essential to the development of modern theatre. None is better than the other, and both offer humans an escape from everyday life.

Word Count: 265

Sources:

Arnold, Stephanie. The Creative Spirit: An Introduction to Theatre. New York: McGraw Hill, 2011. Print.