Theatre is an example of:
- Hybrid effect
- Snowball effect
- Panopticism
- Synopticism
Correct Ans: (D)
Explanation:
Theatre illustrates the concept of synopticism, where many individuals observe a few. This term contrasts with panopticism, which describes a system where a few observe the many, such as in prisons or surveillance settings. In a theatrical environment, a small group of actors performs for a large audience. The audience’s focus is concentrated on those few individuals on stage, making theatre a prime real-world example of synopticism in action.
This communication model is especially relevant when studying mass media and performance. The audience remains passive in terms of participation but active in interpretation and reception. While the performers command attention and deliver messages or stories, the spectators collectively engage in observing and reacting. This arrangement creates a dynamic relationship, though it is often one-directional in terms of visibility and control.
The notion of synopticism goes beyond entertainment. It has broader implications in modern media, such as reality television or influencer culture. In those contexts, the public observes selected individuals, who, like actors, present curated versions of themselves for mass consumption.
Theatre, as an age-old form of cultural expression, continues to serve as a reference point in communication theory. It exemplifies how performance and observation interact within a structured space. Thus, identifying theatre with synopticism helps clarify the unique viewer-performer relationship it fosters—one that places few in the spotlight while many look on, interpret, and respond internally.
