The Art of Theatre

work by Craig

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 17, 2026

Quick Summary

The art of theatre is a live performance that relies on carefully planned actions to create drama. While the word originates from the Greek for \"to see,\" theatre appeals to both sight and sound, requiring active audience participation.1

Edward Gordon Craig, a significant 20th-century theatre figure, was an actor, director, designer, and theorist. He revolutionized theatrical design with his emphasis on simplicity, unity, and the movement of actors and light. Craig's influential essay, The Art of the Theatre, explored his theories, advocating for a unified artistic vision controlled by a director. He also proposed innovative stagecraft, including movable screens and the symbolic use of light, significantly impacting modern theatre's antinaturalist trends.23

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

5 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Western theatre
The new stagecraft
In his book The Art of the Theatre (1905) he outlined his concept of a “total theatre” in which the stage director alone would be responsible for harmonizing every aspect of the production—acting, music, colour, movement, design, makeup, and lighting—so that it might achieve its most unified effect. More…
Read More
In his book The Art of the Theatre (1905) he outlined his concept of a “total theatre” in which the stage director alone would be responsible for harmonizing every aspect of the production—acting, music, colour, movement, design, makeup, and lighting—so that it might achieve its most unified effect. More…
Read More