Open Call: Theater strengthens the bonds between us
Matt Silva
Guest columnist
Editor's note: Open Call is a new column in which we ask arts and cultural leaders to share their perspectives on emerging from the COVID-19 crisis and welcoming back audiences.
I love theater. There’s no better feeling than laughing or crying with reckless abandon in the company of 385 total strangers whose hearts beat in unison during a show — literally!
Researchers have shown that audience members’ hearts actually synchronize while watching live theater. What could be more beautiful and communal than that? And that’s what theater is about — community. By telling our stories, by shining a light on our shared experiences, theater strengthens the bonds between us. Connects us.