1. Besides what you said in Part 2, what other types of performing or art are there?
There are so many different types of performing arts it’s very difficult to count them. This is partly because the category is so broad; almost anything can be called ‘performing art’ if it involves an audience watching some sort of performance where the artist uses their body and facial expressions. Besides plays in the theatre, people can go and see music concerts, dance performances, acrobatics, comedy routines, opera, and circus performances. Often these categories overlap. For example, circuses often feature dance, music and acrobatics. In all types of performances rehearsals are very important. These are often called ‘dry runs’. Before the opening night, where the performers will be before a real audience for the first time, it’s customary for them to wish each other good luck by saying ‘break a leg’.
2. Do you think people generally prefer to go to a concert or to listen to recordings of music?
Many people are put off the idea of going to concerts because they can be expensive, especially if the artist performing at them is famous. They prefer to listen to music on sound systems in their own home. The truth is that most concerts don’t cost an arm and a leg and are actually quite affordable. Listening to recorded music has its advantages: the sound quality is usually crystal clear, you can listen to a song over and over again and you can listen at a time and place that suits you. Despite this, die-hard fans of an artist will say that nothing can compare to seeing a live performance. The atmosphere can be electric, with cheering fans and spectacular displays of light and sound. Seeing your favorite band walk onto the stage is incredibly exciting, and when they start to play the first song of the night the entire venue can erupt into cheers and applause. If you really want to experience music in its undiluted form then you really do have to go to a concert.
3. Do you think art forms such as ballet and drama are important in life?
Many people will dismiss art forms like ballet and drama as fuddy-duddy and boring, even old fashioned. They will tell you that in today’s world nobody wants to sit through two or more hours of prancing about on stage, and that movies are much more exciting. I would say that although stage performances are often slower-paced that movies and other art forms, this brings with it a far richer experience for the audience. More traditional art forms such as these keep our culture alive and allow people to explore their artistic heritage. If nobody went to see ballet and drama then without a doubt life would be a lot duller.
4. Do you think the government has a responsibility to support cultural activities in society?
Absolutely. Cultural activities can really bring people together and allow them not only to make new friends but also to explore their culture. If the government didn’t sponsor the arts then who would? The long and the short of it is that apart from charities there are very few private organizations who want to promote the arts because there’s generally very little money in it for them. Especially in rural and isolated areas it’s very hard for people get access to cultural activities; most art venues like theatres, galleries and museums are located in cities. Government help can bring cultural activities to other places too, allowing more people to benefit from them. This can be especially effective in schools where even a small investment can have a huge impact on people’s lives.
