Find ART in Buffalo

Purchase Tickets
Online
Service Charge Added
 

 

Come Grow With Us

Origins of Theater

         Origins of Theater                

From the Dionysian festivals in ancient Greece to bawdy beer-hall Vaudeville performances, theater is a constant changing entity that has taken multiple forms to insure it's survival. For complete historical analysis please go to http://www.theatrehistory.com

 

 

Love the Art in You!

Help ART out

 

THEATER SUPERSTITION

"BREAK A LEG"

 

 

Not literally, Uncle Woody.  

 

It is considered bad luck to wish someone good luck in a theater. In English-speaking countries, the expression "break a leg" replaces the phrase "good luck", which is considered unlucky.

 

The exact origin of this expression is unknown. One theory is that "Break A Leg" is a very old military term for "taking a knee", or bending down to one knee and breaking the line of the leg. In the theatre it is a reference to "taking a bow". To wish someone to "Break A Leg" is to ask them to give the best performance they are capable so that they may deserve to take a bow at performance end -- or, to "Break A Leg".

 

This expression has so entered the mainstream that it is used by non-actors toward actors and in non-theatrical situations, however, to say "break a leg" in ballet is considered just as much bad luck as saying "good luck", considering it's a physical art.

Rose Tattoo by Tennessee Williams

The American Classics Series  

The Rose Tattoo

April 2008

Theatreloft 545 Elmwood Avenue

An Italian-American widow in Louisiana allows herself to be emotionally and physically withdrawn from the world after her husband's death, and expects her daughter to follow in the same discourse. However, hidden passion steams to the surface, like Louisiana heat, and both mother and daughter are suddenly wrapped in the bouquet of a Rose Tattoo. (More)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.reelartstudios.com/ArtGalleries/GoldenAgeClassics/redryder.htm

Rebel Yell Series 

When Ya Comin' Back, Red Ryder?

By Mark Medoff

February 2008

Theatreloft 545 Elmwood Avenue

Foster's Diner is situated in a New Mexico rest stop that doesn't serve as many customers as it once did, due to a new highway bypass. Today, however, the diner will see more action that it has in a long while. Written in 1973, this play remains timeless with it's focus on fear and repression displayed in various forms. A well crafted slice-of-life drama that continues to hold up in this day and age of uncertainty and cynicism. (More)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Axeman's Jazz

Orginal Playwright Series 

Axeman's Jazz

January 2008

Rust Belt Books 202 Allen Street

From 1917 to 1919 a series of bizarre axe-murders shocked New Orleans. With no suspects in sight, the police were baffled by the case and the denizens hid in fear as many claimed the killer was a demon. Then in March 1919, a letter was sent to The Times Picayune informing the citizens and police that if the city played jazz all night they would be spared from the axe. Those who did not faced dire consequences. (more)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deke Stoklosa in Superhero BluesSuperhero Blues

September 14th, 2007

"We superheroes no longer require substance nor mean anything," says the character BADGER to a disgruntled character by name of THE BAT who's on the verge of quitting his superhero job. (more)

Site Powered By Fission Content Management System
Buffalo Web Design & Website Hosting By 360PSG