Theatrical Magic: Unlocking Emotions and Experiences with Erin Hurley

Have you ever been deeply moved by a powerful theatrical performance? Theatre has a unique way of touching our souls, evoking a wide range of emotions, and leaving a lasting impact on our lives. Erin Hurley, a prominent theatre scholar and professor, explores the connection between theatre and human emotions, making her a voice to be reckoned with in the field.

Erin Hurley is a highly regarded professor of Theatre Studies at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. Her passion for understanding the emotional power of theatre has led her on a journey to uncover the intricate ways in which performance art resonates with its audience. From exploring historical archives to delving into ethnographic research, Erin Hurley's work has shed light on why theatre has such a profound effect on our psyches.

One of Hurley's groundbreaking theories is that theatre taps into what she refers to as "feeling-knowing." According to her research, watching a theatrical performance is not merely a passive experience but an active one that engages our emotions, intellect, and empathy. This feeling-knowing is when we immerse ourselves in the world of the play, connecting with the characters, their struggles, and their triumphs.

Theatre and Feeling

by Erin Hurley(1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3057 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	106 pages
Hardcover	:	224 pages
Item Weight	:	13.4 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.51 x 8.27 x 7.95 inches

FREE

But how does theatre achieve this magical connection? Hurley argues that the combination of live acting, visual spectacle, and the shared experience of a live audience creates a unique environment that fosters emotional engagement. Unlike other forms of entertainment, such as movies or television, theatre is a live and ephemeral art form that demands our full attention, making it a truly transformative experience.

One of the keys to unlocking the emotional power of theatre lies in the actors themselves. Erin Hurley believes that the process of embodying a character and projecting their emotions is what makes live theatre so compelling. The ability of actors to convey authentic human experiences through their performances enables the audience to establish an emotional connection. When done right, this connection can be a profound and cathartic experience for both the actors and the audience.

Hurley's research also emphasizes the importance of the space in which theatre occurs. The physicality of a theatre, the way in which it is designed, and its historical or cultural significance all contribute to the overall experience. Whether it's a large auditorium or an intimate black box, the space itself has the power to shape our emotions and enhance the storytelling. Erin Hurley's work explores the intricate relationship between theatre and space, revealing that the very environment in which a performance takes place can influence our perception and emotional response.

Erin Hurley's passion for theatre extends beyond academia. She is also actively involved in various theatrical productions, collaborating with artists, and examining the ways in which theatre can be used as a tool for social change. By combining her scholarly research with practical experience, Hurley brings a unique perspective to the world of theatre making.

As an audience member, engaging with theatre can be a transformative and enriching experience. Erin Hurley's work reminds us of the power of this art form and invites us to explore the emotional depths that theatre can reach. From tragedy to comedy, theatre has the ability to make us laugh, cry, reflect, and question our own beliefs.

So the next time you find yourself sitting in a theatre seat, ready to embark on a theatrical journey, remember that you are about to immerse yourself in a world of emotions, experiences, and profound human connections. Erin Hurley's research and insights serve as a guide to appreciating and understanding the unique power of theatre.

Theatre and Feeling

by Erin Hurley(1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3057 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	106 pages
Hardcover	:	224 pages
Item Weight	:	13.4 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.51 x 8.27 x 7.95 inches

FREE

How does a tragedy arouse pity and fear? How do music and lighting set a mood or convey an emotional tone for an audience? Why does theatre move us?

Theatre & Feeling explores the idea that, for many people, theatre is a passion. It provides an intellectual framework for the range of emotional experience engendered by the theatre, establishing a base-line for further thinking and practice in this rich and emergent area of inquiry. Moving across western dramatic theory and theatre history, the book demonstrates the centrality of feeling to the theatre. Foreword by Anne Bogart.