We do not go to (the theater), like our ancestors to escape from the pressure of reality, so much as to confirm our experience of it.
-Charles Lamb
We invent illusions in our lives often unintentionally because many influences have altered our individual perceptions of “reality”. Very often, illusions of reality are influenced by group perceptions which in turn can result in just how we inadvertently or purposefully, choose to view our lives – with positivity or negativity. The difficult or fortunate circumstances of our actual existence, largely influence our illusions.
Our varying moods also alter our perceptions – just how we see. When Spunktaneous asks Perceptilly, “do I see gold as you do?”, she replies: (The World of Glimpse)
“Well, Spunktaneous…
I have a Master’s Degree
In Meta-luster-cology.
I can glean a glitter from a glow.
Name all the lusters there are to know.
But Spunktaneous, I don’t know how you see gold…or pink…or any hue. Only you know. The colors you perceive are entirely you, and each time you look, they’re different. It depends on your moodprint which affects the glow you give to a color.
I recently interviewed Theatre Artist Chad Sweet (www.renolittletheater.org) who has acted, directed and designed theatrical productions professionally across the country and in Mexico. Chad creates masterfully for us, illusions that nourish our moodprints in unexpected and exhilarating ways: We journey with him into fantasy – sit on his illusory – and waft alongside with him into the Flutterhigh Theater of his imaginative creations. I asked Chad for his thoughts on the role of theater in society:
Chad: Theatre has been around probably as long as the cave paintings. Despite the death-knell that has tolled for the artform many times, it still continues because it will always be relevant for everyone. It gives life to concepts and feelings and thoughts that sometimes, can be hard to wrap our brains and hearts around. It gives us space to laugh and cry and commiserate in a communal setting. It gives voice to those who have none or little. It gives opportunity to creatives who need to express. And theatre is the marriage of every artform – writing, visual design, song, dance, painting, sculpture, oratory. For a theatre company to be relevant, all it need do is listen to its community, listen to humanity, and give its audience what it wants.
Ellen: Why did theatre beckon to you Chad, when there were so many other artistic endeavors in which you had been engaged and so many more creative areas you have the capacity to do? Why did theatre become your huge focus?
Chad: I did my first show at the age of twelve and it unlocked for me, a way to delve into deeper parts of my humanness than I thought I was able to reach. I knew the depths were there. I’d seen other people have them, but I wasn’t sure how to access them myself. Theatre gave me that pathway. (READ FULL INTERVIEW)