Why Theatre is Essential to Democracy
During one of our recent "Feed the Artist" segments at a board meeting, our Board of Trustees Chair, Kate Rufener, brought up Oskar Eustis's 2018 TED Talk, "Why Theater is Essential to Democracy." After watching the talk, I couldn’t help but feel that Eustis had a powerful message about how theater and democracy are more closely tied than most of us realize. It’s not something we often think about, but when you dig into it, theater is one of the oldest forms of democratic discourse.
The Connection Between Theater and Democracy
Eustis begins by pointing out that theater and democracy were both born in ancient Athens during the same time period. The connection isn’t just historical trivia—it shows that theater was conceived as a place where people could come together, debate, and explore the big ideas of the day. Back then, it wasn’t just about entertainment; it was about creating space for conversation and dialogue, much like how we use democracy to encourage diverse viewpoints.
What makes theater so powerful, though, is that it thrives on conflict. In Eustis’s view, conflict isn’t just about creating drama for drama’s sake—it’s how we discover deeper truths about ourselves and the world. In a way, it mirrors the democratic process: we don’t always agree, but through conversation, debate, and sometimes even argument, we work through those conflicts to uncover new perspectives. Theater, then, isn’t just reflecting life; it’s actively shaping how we understand and engage with each other.
The Role of Empathy and Shared Experience
But the power of theater doesn’t stop there. One of the most profound aspects of the experience is empathy. Theater invites us to step into someone else’s shoes, to feel what they’re feeling, and to see the world from their perspective. Whether it’s a character from a different background or someone in a completely different set of circumstances, theater allows us to connect with the experiences of others in a way that can be transformative. In the context of democracy, this empathy is crucial—by understanding different viewpoints, we strengthen our ability to relate to one another, and ultimately, we become better citizens.
Another incredible thing about theater is that it’s a shared experience. Unlike watching a movie alone at home, when you sit in a theater, you’re experiencing the story with an entire community. Everyone is reacting, laughing, crying, and thinking together. It’s a beautiful reminder that, despite our differences, we are all part of a much bigger whole. Theater is a space where we come together, share in each other’s stories, and celebrate the diversity of the human experience.
Theater's Power to Unite
Eustis also touches on something really important: the role of theater in reaching across divides. In times when communities feel fractured or disconnected, theater can be a unifying force. It has the power to bring people together, especially those who may feel overlooked or marginalized. When theater goes out of its way to include voices that are often unheard, it’s not just telling stories—it’s helping to heal and rebuild connections that have been lost.
At The Public Theater, where Eustis works, inclusivity is a core value. Through initiatives like Free Shakespeare in the Park, they make theater accessible to everyone, regardless of background or income. The idea is simple: theater should be for everyone, not just a privileged few. Programs like Public Works take this idea even further, blending professional actors with everyday people to create something truly representative of society. It’s about building a community of artists and audience members that reflects the diversity of the world we live in.
Embracing Theater as an Essential Part of Democracy
At the end of the day, theater’s role in democracy is more than just entertaining people—it’s about encouraging dialogue, fostering empathy, and uniting us in our shared humanity. As Eustis reminds us, we need to embrace theater as an essential part of a thriving, healthy democracy. It’s a reminder that art is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity for understanding each other, growing together, and creating a more connected society.
So, next time you sit down to enjoy a play, remember: it’s not just the costumes, lights, or special effects that make theater special—it’s the power of the story, and the way it brings us all together. Thanks to Kate Rufener for sparking this conversation—it’s a beautiful reminder of the vital role that the arts play in the health of our society.
Click the video below to see it in full:
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