Theatre and Tourism

Theatre and tourism are closely intertwined, with both offering experiences of temporary escape to distant places, times, or lives. They are sites of public pedagogy, cultural diplomacy, and cosmopolitan consciousness, promising pleasure and knowledge from the spectacle of others. This study explores the historical and contemporary entanglement of theatre and tourism, and speculates about the future as emerging technologies reshape both industries, offering new experiences of presence, embodiment, and mobility.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 136 pages
Publication date: 19 October 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Theatre and tourism are two interconnected practices that have a profound impact on each other. Theatre, as an art form, provides a platform for storytelling and artistic expression, allowing audiences to engage with diverse narratives and experiences. On the other hand, tourism enables individuals to explore new cultures, landscapes, and experiences, providing them with opportunities for personal growth and cultural exchange.

Theatre and tourism share many similarities, including the ability to transport audiences to different worlds and times. Both industries create immersive experiences that engage the senses and stimulate the imagination. Theatre performances, for example, can transport audiences to ancient civilizations, mythical realms, or contemporary settings, allowing them to experience different cultures and perspectives firsthand. Similarly, tourism destinations offer visitors the chance to explore historical sites, natural wonders, and cultural landmarks, providing them with a unique and enriching experience.

Another similarity between theatre and tourism is their role as sites of public pedagogy and cultural diplomacy. Theatre performances can be used to promote social and political messages, raise awareness about important issues, and foster cultural understanding. Similarly, tourism destinations can be used to promote a country's culture, history, and values, providing visitors with a deeper appreciation for the local culture and heritage.

The economic and political processes of colonization and neoliberalization have had a significant impact on both theatre and tourism. Colonization led to the spread of Western cultural practices and values, which often marginalized indigenous cultures and traditions. This has had a profound impact on theatre, as many traditional forms of theatre have been lost or marginalized. Similarly, neoliberalization has led to the commodification of tourism, with the focus on generating profits rather than promoting cultural exchange and understanding.

Despite these challenges, there are also opportunities for the future of theatre and tourism to thrive. Emerging technologies, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), are providing new ways for audiences to experience theatre and tourism. VR and AR can create immersive experiences that transport audiences to different worlds and times, allowing them to explore new cultures and perspectives in a more interactive and engaging way.

In conclusion, theatre and tourism are two interconnected practices that have a profound impact on each other. Both industries create immersive experiences that engage the senses and stimulate the imagination. Theatre and tourism share many similarities, including the ability to transport audiences to different worlds and times, promote social and political messages, raise awareness about important issues, and foster cultural understanding. However, economic and political processes like colonization and neoliberalization have also had a significant impact on both industries. As emerging technologies continue to reshape both industries, there are opportunities for the future of theatre and tourism to thrive, providing new experiences of presence, embodiment, and mobility for audiences and visitors alike.

Weight: 108g
Dimension: 111 x 179 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350349957