The Effect of Epidemics on Theatre Past and Present

Abstract

This research discusses the effect of epidemics on theatre: taking two historical models, the Greek and the Elizabethan theatre, plus researching two other contemporary models from Jordanian Theatre; first, the dramaturge experience during Covid -19, of the author Mr. Ali Elian’s new play “Touch line”, and second, the Liberal Theatre Group’s new experience in presenting their annually festival online. The research concludes that epidemics affected dramaturgies for both play writers Sophocles and William Shakespeare. Moreover, it also affected theatre workers and theatre halls. The research finds out that the effect of new virus Covid – 19 in our time on Jordanians theatre also affected Jordanian dramaturgies and audience. For the audience theatre workers had to find new ways to communicate with them such as using T.V tools to display their works and relying on “online” the new media communication method. Finally, the research suggests the ability to use Drama and Music as a healing process to help those who were wounded by epidemics. Finally, it recommends that governmental and private academic institutions support researchers to dig deeper into this subject matter.