In a traverse theater performance, the audience is seated on two sides of the stage that are diagonally opposed to one another. The performers perform in the middle of the crowd, giving the impression that they are on a runway. The word “traverse” is derived from the verb “traverser,” which means “to cross” in French.
The traverse stage is frequently utilized in experimental and avant-garde theater because it gives the audience a more personal and immersive experience. In order to stage the performance in a way that is both visible and interesting to all sides of the audience, it also poses special obstacles for the actors and directors.
The two other primary sources of theatre, in addition to transverse theater, are religious and ritualistic performances, as well as oral traditions and storytelling. While the latter can be found in cultures all across the world, from Native American tribes to African communities, the former can be traced back to ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and the Babylonians.
‘Movie seats’ or ‘cinema seats’ are typical terms used to describe the seats in theaters. In 1935, the motion picture “Becky Sharp” became the first to be produced in color. The play “Vanity Fair” by William Makepeace Thackeray served as the inspiration for the movie. On the other hand, the Lumière brothers’ development of the Cinematographe in the late 19th century is credited with creating the first cinema. This invention made it possible to display moving pictures onto screens, which gave rise to the contemporary cinematic experience.
In conclusion, traverse theatre is a distinctive and thrilling kind of theatrical staging that has grown in recognition lately. While it poses difficulties for actors and filmmakers alike, it also gives viewers a more engaging and personal experience. Storytelling and oral traditions, as well as religious and ritualistic performances, are where theater got its start. The first color movie was “Becky Sharp,” and the Lumière brothers created the first cinema in the late 19th century. When it comes to the theater, the seats are sometimes referred to as “movie seats.”
What cinema theaters were called in the 1940s is not mentioned in the article “Traverse in Drama: An Overview”. It mostly discusses the traverse staging method that is employed in theatrical shows.