On Theatrical Imagination (Alison Plunkett)

SEPTEMBER 6 - J. Alison Plunkett wrote:
Subject: The Theatrical Imagination, Chapters 1-3

Imagination is the artist’s greatest tool. With imagination, we can imagine how reality could be. Art then becomes about something that is imagines. Art has powerful values that can be useful, not only aesthetically, but functionally as well. The authors break down art for the reader by placing art in exact categories. Art cannot be so concretely defined. Much like institutions such as religion, art is something that must have only a working definition. Everyone has their own definition for art, none of which are exactly the same. Art has a certain flexibility that cannot be pinned down or squeezed into one category. Art manifests itself in many unique ways.

Drama is not always the imitation of human action. Drama can be something as simple as REAL human action. Chapter 2 states, “Plays are effective for conveying action, while the appeal of music is primarily emotional.” Plays are effective for conveying emotion through relationships that are conveyed through action. Music is primarily emotional, however theatre and the portrayal of the characters on stage is as well.