Theater and Its Role in Society

The video explores the historical resilience of theater, from Shakespeare's time to the present, highlighting its role in society and its ability to adapt through crises like the bubonic plague and COVID-19. It addresses the ongoing issue of racism in theater and the opportunity for transformation. The video emphasizes theater as an essential service that connects people and processes emotions, advocating for creativity and imagination during uncertain times. It concludes with a call to use this period as an intermission to reflect and create a more equitable and just future.

What historical event led to the closure of the Globe Theater in 1603?

• The Spanish Armada

• The bubonic plague

• The English Civil War

• The Great Fire of London

What is one of the ongoing issues in America that the theater community is encouraged to address?

• Economic inequality

• Racism

• Climate change

• Political corruption

How does theater uniquely connect us to our emotions?

• By using special effects

• By revealing us to ourselves onstage

• By providing historical context

• By offering free performances

What does the speaker suggest is an essential service provided by theater?

• Economic growth

• Entertainment

• Connection to essential human emotions

• Education

What is the Memory Ensemble project a collaboration between?

• The Chicago Shakespeare Theater and the Field Museum

• The Lookingglass Theatre and Northwestern's Center for Cognitive Neurology

• The Steppenwolf Theatre and the Art Institute of Chicago

• The Goodman Theatre and the University of Chicago

What does the speaker imply is a common misconception about creativity?

• It is easy to achieve

• It is only for artists and inventors

• It is a waste of time

• It is not necessary for personal growth

What is the first step in the process of fostering creativity according to the speaker?

• Observe

• Breathe

• Imagine

• Stop

What does the speaker suggest we do during an intermission?

• Rush to the next task

• Reflect on what has happened

• Ignore our feelings

• Plan for the future

What does the speaker say about the future of theater?

• It will become obsolete

• It will continue to evolve

• It will remain unchanged

• It will only exist online

What does the speaker encourage us to do with our observations?

• Forget them quickly

• Use them to imagine a better world

• Use them to criticize others

• Ignore them