Primitive+Theater

[|Origins of Theater] [|from-ritual-drama-to-ancient-theater]

Primitive Theatre – 8 Facts 1) We know little about Primitive Theatre because there is very little written information 2) Anthropologists know about Primitive Theatre because of artifacts discovered, like cave paintings. Scientist also observe modern tribes to see what they do, and we guess that Primitive Humans react the same way. 3) We think the first play was about hunting, based on cave paintings 4) The first costume was probably a deer or animal skin worn by the Primitive Actor 5) Why did they start acting out the hunt before hunting? We think that Primitive Humans were superstitious, and that acting the play before the hunt would bring good luck 6) A ritual is something that is repeated over and over again. (Ex: Presents at a birthday party; Fireworks during the 4th of July; Favorite foods served during Thanksgiving) Theatre became a ritual : Primitive Humans perform the first play over and over again for good luck. Actors (the hunters) wearing costumes (animal skins) imitate a character (the animals) to tell a story (what happened during the hunt) to an audience (non-hunters) 7) One person called a shaman is the religious leader of the tribe and probably was in charge (or oversaw) of the rituals 8) Theatre and religion became the same thing in Primitive Times – performing becomes an important part of a religious ceremony (acting “The Hunt” before the sending out a hunting party in order to gain good luck)