Abstract

In this article I have written about a set of experiences with theatre productions over the last few years that have appealed strongly, in different ways, to the heart. To contextualise the phenomenon, I have coined the phrase theatre of the heart, and have provided an analysis of its manifestations with reference to non-linear theatre, atmosphere, love, and wisdom and age. I have provided examples for each of those contexts from recent theatre practice. In sharing this experience and my interpretation of it, I hope to enable other spectators to make sense of experiences they have encountered but may not be able to place, or to open them up to such experience in the first instance. My considerations may also support theatre artists to be courageous and develop the theatre of the heart further.