Art for Art's Sake

So many performers and artists use this motto to help justify their craft. But if you look at it there isn't much point to it. Art is a social medium that encourages interaction between other members of your society. Even a book - about the most solitary art form available - requires at least one other person to read it give some purpose to the creation. A more apt saying might be:

If a tree falls in a forrest and there's no one around to hear it, does it make a sound?

In theatre, especially, there is way that art can happen simply for art's sake. Theatre is a live performance medium that happens in front of a live audience. Too often companies don't take this idea into full account as they criticize audiences and critics for not "getting their show." Perhaps you are playing to the wrong audience. Perhaps you weren't clear enough in your intents and performances. Whatever it is another saying is reflected in this sentiment:

Theatre without lighting is just acting class.

Of couse audience and a whole host of other things can be inserted in place of lighting. But the long and short of the matter is theatre cannot happen in a void. If there is no audence present there isn't much point. Preaching to the choir is never an effective use of one's time. You have to go out and find those who need to hear your message most.


Happy Birthday: Daniel Radcliff (b. 1989)