Importance Of Disbelief In Theatre

Topic 4: “Suspension of disbelief” is an essential feature of theatre. Is it essential in other areas of knowledge? Develop your answer with reference to two areas of knowledge.

With no doubt, there are ways in which disbelief may function both in favour and against acquiring knowledge. Some may argue that suspending disbelief — especially in the light of contemporary scientific method — can be considered a form of ignorance. However, it is often essential to take no notice of doubts in order to finally achieve the aim of gaining knowledge. It surely happens in theatre on multiple levels — from the substantial ignorance of the dark space around the stage, to the trust in the authenticity of characters’ emotions. But not only does the “suspension of disbelief” applie to Arts, but it can also find its use in other Areas of Knowledge such as Natural Sciences and Religious Knowledge Systems. Nevertheless, it should be underlined that applying

Concerning the former, “suspension of disbelief” is, above all, a literary term with its strictly literal meaning — it can be loosely understood as a willingness of a person to overlook the limitations of a given medium and for the moment believe the unbelievable. Subsequently, with regard to the latter, experiencing theatre is a phenomenon which would not exist without the notion of “suspension of disbelief.” As mentioned, its significance is visible in nearly all aspects of theatre. The concept of theatre is, generally speaking, a mutual agreement of a convention between the artists and the audience. Braking its conditions results in provoking the failure of a unique experience. Moreover, a notable role is played here by three distinct Ways of Knowing: Reason, Language, and Emotions. The clash between them to huge extent influences the way in which we perceive the