Imagination in the Theatre

     In one of our first classes we discussed the role of imagination in fantasy. Most of what was discussed had to do with the amount of imagination involved in reading fantasy and the amount, or rather the lack, of imagination that is necessary for viewing a fantasy film and theatrical production. In many ways I agree wholeheartedly with this opinion. (After all when you read a book you have nothing but words to help you envision a nonexistent world and when you watch a movie you are shown and told what is.) However, I disagree when it comes to the theatre aspect of it.
     At first it may seem as though there is hardly a difference between the viewing of a play and a movie, but as a theatre major I disagree. For example, if you are watching a movie there is no need to use your imagination for anything other than perhaps picturing yourself in the story. You do not have to envision the action on or off screen because it is presented to you in slow motion from multiple angles with a glorious soundtrack underlining the emotion of every scene.
     On the other hand, if you go to see a play there are many situations in which the actors and the director ask you to use your imagination. (I won't even touch on the amount of imagination an actor must use to "get into character" and put yourself within the world of the play.) Take for instance, Macbeth (granted this is not a fantasy play but the point still stands). When "Birnam wood comes to Dunsinane" the audience is not shown an army of men with tree branches attached to their shields. Instead the actors refer to the action that is happening off stage, and the audience is left to imagine the scene. It is the same in the case of the battle that ensues and in the death of Lady Macbeth.  Another more recent example is the play Our Town. This play is nearly entirely pantomimed (performed with little to no props) and with as little setting as possible. Countless other plays are performed in black box theatre with minimal scenery and possibly without costumes. While there is certainly more imagination used in reading than in watching, without a doubt the theatre does require one to use at least a fraction of their imagination powers.