I started this site because I was told "Theatre Is Dead". I think it was partially said to get a rise out of me but partially said because that's what they honestly believe.
I don't honestly believe that.
What I honestly believe is that live theatre raises an individual's quality of life and that if more people had easy access to the theatrical goings-on in the city, more people would go and then their lives would be better. And don't we all want better lives?
Live theatre is just that; it's a-live. It's impossible for the energy of the actors not to seep into the audience and for a viewer not to share in their experience. I don't know about you, but I think life is great...but pretty goddamn hard. There are countless decisions to make and things to do and there are a multitude of emotions rolled up in everything. Sometimes it's just easier to shut yourself off and not feel any of the jealousy or envy or heartache or sadness or disappointment.
But at the theatre, it's impossible to avoid feeling Willy Loman's disappointment, Hamlet's confusion, Sarah Kane's quest for beauty, Elphaba's moral conflict and the impending doom for every character in a Martin McDonagh play.
I can only speak to my experience but I have to assume mine is not unique. When I watch theatre and I am thrust into the world of the characters, I am part of them. I can see their flaws, feel their passions and I unwittingly champion them to be better than they are. I am with them in their highs and lows and when the lights come up, I feel a bit tired, a bit disoriented, but also totally exhilarated. I've just FELT more in the last 2 hours than I have in the last 2 weeks and my GOD that felt good. I feel cleansed, my nerves are tingling, my senses are alert and I feel very much ALIVE.
(So maybe did Aristotle WAS on to something...)
If something can make me feel that invigorated, it certainly can't be dead and I challenge anyone to say otherwise.
Use my site as easy access to Toronto theatre and a means to make it part of your regular routine. Theatre is fun, it's accessible, it's inexpensive and it's high-caliber. Go for dinner and a play with friends, make a first date a show in the Distillery, give the gift of ballet for Mother's Day...or Father's Day.
But just GET out to the theatre.
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