Engaging with the concept of the ‘canon’ can often feel challenging. Despite its status as a collection of essential creative works across the history of literature, theatre, and film, the canon has traditionally been dominated by cisgender, heterosexual, white male authors. Moreover, there is no definitive system for determining its contents, relying instead on a loose consensus among critics and scholars who often share the same traits as the artists they celebrate. This has understandably led to a complicated relationship between emerging performers and canonical works. Why, they might ask, should they help reinforce an outdated, exclusionary system by engaging with the works it upholds? Why return to the well-trodden paths of playwrights like Shakespeare, Brecht, Williams, and Miller? If one’s aim is to challenge conventional theatre norms and create dynamic, innovative work, why spend time learning ideas you might later strive to dismantle?
Why Engage with the Canon?
In short, because understanding the art that came before you can deepen your grasp of your craft and help you contextualise your place within its long history. Even if your intention is to disrupt these traditions, a thorough knowledge of the works considered part of the theatrical (and cinematic) canon is essential if you wish to critique, subvert, or ultimately dismantle the structures they represent. Learn what has come before you, and you will be better equipped to comprehend the present and shape the future. This doesn’t mean you must spend your last penny on the latest revival of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof at your national theatre – simply getting your hands on a copy of the play and reading it will significantly enhance your artistic understanding.
Building Your ‘Web’
Today, many drama school graduates leave with only a superficial understanding of plays, often limited to those they were required to study. They may have a passing knowledge of the Classics, a brief encounter with Restoration comedy, and the obligatory dose of Shakespeare. Many will have touched on more ‘modern’ playwrights like Caryl Churchill or Sarah Kane, without realising that the ‘theatre of today’ taught in some institutions often reflects the tastes and experiences of a previous generation.
Taking the time to read a wide variety of plays can help you see the threads that connect writers across different periods and styles. Notice how certain themes, ideas, and techniques – such as direct address, realism, or devised theatre – come in and out of fashion, crossing cultural and historical boundaries. Just as actors study performances or attend masterclasses to refine their craft, playwrights learn from those who came before them, building on their ideas or pushing against them. By understanding these influences, you will better appreciate the intentions behind a writer’s work when you step into a role.
Thinking in Webs, Not Timelines
If this approach to learning sounds daunting, try viewing the history of plays and films not as a rigid timeline, but as an interconnected web. When you read a script, consider what ideas, styles, and movements it might be linked to – both historically and contemporaneously. What inspired it? What works did it later influence? What was happening in the world of theatre or film when it was first produced? What conversations might it have sparked, and how might it have shaped the works that followed? By thinking in webs, you’ll uncover deeper connections and perhaps even find unexpected sources of inspiration.
Understanding Trends
As your understanding of theatre and film history deepens, you will develop a sharper eye for emerging movements and voices. Recognising these patterns can be especially valuable if you aspire to work in film and television, where the landscape is in a constant state of flux. Cinema, in particular, has had to adapt repeatedly to existential challenges – from the rise of television to the disruptive influence of the internet and the dominance of streaming platforms like Netflix. Most filmmakers working today were never trained for the realities of the streaming era, as the very structures supporting their work have evolved significantly in recent decades.
This is where building your web of knowledge can offer a real advantage. If, for instance, you trace a particular playwright to the theatre company they founded, you might discover that this same company is now producing bold, innovative work that aligns with your artistic ambitions. Staying alert to these connections can help you find exciting new opportunities in the industry before they become widely known.
Facilitating Subversion
If you aspire to create something genuinely new, it’s vital to know what you’re rebelling against. Many artists fall into the trap of repeating past mistakes simply because they were unaware that others had already tried – and failed – with similar ideas. By understanding the traditions and conventions of your craft, you can avoid these pitfalls and make more informed, impactful artistic choices.
Knowing the canon also helps you identify and critique its most problematic aspects. You can address the lack of cultural diversity, the underrepresentation of BIPOC, female, and LGBTQ+ voices, and the enduring reverence for creators whose lives and work might be considered deeply problematic by modern standards. Armed with this awareness, you will be better equipped to articulate your criticisms and advocate for change within the industry.
Discovering New Joys
Engaging with the canon should not be approached solely as an adversarial exercise. You are likely to encounter works you genuinely enjoy, and this exploration can deepen your appreciation for the art form. Tracing your favourite playwright or filmmaker’s influences can be thrilling, revealing unexpected connections and creative echoes across time.
Moreover, consuming classic works can help you appreciate why certain pieces endure. Yes, you might initially dismiss Shakespeare as just another celebrated dead white male, but that perspective would deny you the richness of his language and the timeless power of his storytelling. Even if you remain sceptical, make the effort to understand what generations of audiences have found so compelling – you might be pleasantly surprised.
Contributing to the Canon
Finally, remember that the concept of the canon is not fixed. It evolves as our cultural perspectives shift and as new voices emerge. While the canon has historically favoured certain groups, recent decades have seen a growing recognition of diverse creators and their contributions. By understanding the canon’s history and limitations, you can work to expand its boundaries and contribute to its ongoing evolution.
Create work that challenges traditional notions of greatness and longevity. Aim to produce art that tackles epic themes, addresses contemporary concerns, and resonates with a broad audience. If the idea of contributing to the canon feels daunting, remember that the very structures that maintain it were designed to make you feel that way. By understanding and interrogating these systems, you can create work that deserves to stand alongside the greats.
The canon, for all its flaws, remains a vital part of our cultural landscape. Understanding its contents and its history can help you become a more informed, thoughtful, and innovative artist. By engaging critically with these works, you can refine your craft, discover unexpected sources of inspiration, and ultimately contribute to the ongoing evolution of theatre and film. Learn from the past, shape the present, and help create the future.