The Engaged Theatre: A Manifesto for a Vital Theatre

Introduction

In his seminal work, "The Engaged Theatre," Eric Bentley argues for a theatre that is socially and politically relevant, a theatre that speaks to the concerns of its time and challenges its audience to think critically about the world around them. Bentley believes that theatre has the power to change lives and to make a difference in the world, and he calls on theatre artists to use their art to engage with the social and political issues of their day.

The Importance of Engagement

Bentley argues that theatre is most powerful when it is engaged with the real world. He writes, "The theatre is a social art, and its function is to reflect and comment on society." He believes that theatre should hold a mirror up to society and show it its flaws, and that it should challenge its audience to think about the world in new ways.

The Role of the Artist

Bentley believes that theatre artists have a responsibility to use their art to make a difference in the world. He writes, "The artist is a citizen of the world, and his art should reflect his concern for the world." He calls on theatre artists to use their work to speak out against injustice and to promote social change.

The Engaged Theatre in Practice

Bentley provides several examples of engaged theatre from around the world. He discusses the work of Bertolt Brecht, Erwin Piscator, and Joan Littlewood, among others. He shows how these artists used their work to address the social and political issues of their time, and how they inspired their audiences to take action.

The Future of Engaged Theatre

Bentley believes that the future of theatre lies in its ability to engage with the real world. He writes, "The theatre must be a place where people can come to think about the world and to be inspired to change it." He calls on theatre artists to continue to use their art to make a difference in the world, and to create a theatre that is truly engaged with the social and political issues of our time.

Conclusion

"The Engaged Theatre" is a passionate and persuasive argument for a theatre that is socially and politically relevant. Bentley believes that theatre has the power to change lives and to make a difference in the world, and he calls on theatre artists to use their art to engage with the social and political issues of their day. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in theatre and its potential to make a difference in the world.