Open- Air Theatre

In Britain, the ancient tradition of open-air performances is still alive and well. Cornwall has some of Britain’s oldest working theatres, with one open-air theatre actually built into a cliff, a project only recently completed.

Two actors, Dave James and Muriel Thomas, came from London theatre company called Coastline. They now regularly preform in just such a theatre, by the sea. “One thing about performing outside is never know what’ll happen. For example, if a bird lands on stage, we can’t act as if it’s not here-the audience are all watching it. So we just bring the bird into the play, too. Once, about 30 dolphins came past, jumping out of the water and showing off. The audience were all chatting about them instead of watching, so the actors just gave up for a while and watched the dolphins too”.

The weather can also be difficult. “Sometimes it’s been so bad”, say Muriel, “that we’ve asked the audience if they really want to stay. But usually they sit with their coats and umbrella and say” yes, please carry on”! They must feel it isn’t much fun but no one’s returned their ticket so far!

Coastline’s director, John Barnack, works hard to introduce people to the theatre, “Many people think of theatres as clubs where they don’t belong, and are not welcome”, he explains. “Sitting in the open air changes that feeling. The audience are far more involved – they aren’t sitting in the dark, at a distance like in normal theatres, and that improves the actor’s performances, too. I’m very proud of the work they‘ve done so far.

1.      What is the writer trying to do in the text?

A.    Follow the development of open-air theatre in Britain

B.     Describe hoe one open-air theatre was built

C.     Explain what it’s like to work in open-air theatre

D.    Warn readers about the disadvantages of attending open-air performances

2.      When plays are disturbed by local wildlife, the actors:

A.    Change their performance to include it

B.     Carry on as though nothing had happened

C.     Stop and have a chat with the audience

D.    Cancel the rest of the performance

3.      What’s the audience’s attitude to bad weather during performance?

A.    They worry about the actors getting wet

B.     They say that it stops them enjoying the day

C.     They accept it as they have come well-prepared

D.    They feel they should have their money back.

4.      What does John Barnack say about outdoor theatre?

A.    He’s afraid the atmosphere is more stressful for actors

B.     He’s happy that the audience feel comfortable being there

C.     He’s worried that it creates an atmosphere similar to club

D.    He welcomes the distance it creates between actors and audience.