Having the human experience over the centuries has changed technologically but to the core of our humanness, entertainment particularly plays about life and love haven't changed much since the ancient Greeks wrote drama & tragedy.
As a writer who has dabbled as a playwright, the process of developing a story into a form actors can bring to life is of interest. However, to the person who is not a playwright, why would watching a play be important at all? Why go to the play?
1) Going to plays at a local theater supports local artists, actors, tech people, playwrights, theater owners & managers. When artists and actors get money, we know that they spend it, so your money finds it way into the local economy for a quick turn around. It's a win-win.
2) Having a local theater in your area, or better yet more than one theater for competition to create great shows, brings culture and creativity to your hometown. Why is creativity important? Honestly, most of the world is in need of some serious work. Many places are dilapidated. Artists think of create ways to fix problems. It's what they do. It's what we need.
3) Watching plays speaks to the soul. Whether the play invokes tears or laughter, a well performed play can change your life & perspective forever. Emotionally engaging with the actors, music, and story can move the audience through experiences that simply can't happen while watching a screen.
4) Have you ever watched the same play with the same actors in the same theater night after night? While you can watch the same elements night after night, it's impossible to see the same show. With life theater it's never the same twice. There is an element of spontaneity that changes the play into a unique experience each night.
5) Many people are couch potatoes. You'll recognize them by their conversation: Wasn't TV great last night? Did you see the same TV show I watched? The process of attending a play gives you a variety of conversational topics to share with friends & co-workers, not to mention posting on your social media.
Take the time to make it a full experience: Dress up. Go with friends. Pick a play with local actors, you may be surprised who you see. Some playhouses offers several one-act plays for the price of one ticket. Go for coffee after the play to discuss it with your friends. By the end of the night you'll have your own story to tell.
And of course, if you have interesting stories, everyone will love you.
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