On Soka University of America Week: Movie theaters can be used for more than just movies.
Sandrine Simeon, assistant dean of global citizenship and associate professor of French language & culture, examines another form of entertainment that can fill the screens.
Originally from Paris, Sandrine Simeon completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Paris III, the Sorbonne Nouvelle, and received a master’s degree in film from Concordia University in Montréal before working in the film industry. Returning to her academic endeavors, she earned additional degrees in French and Francophone Studies from Penn State University, where she wrote a doctoral dissertation on the filming of live theater. Her research continues to focus on the filming of theater and the teaching methods of theater through film. She co-edited two volumes on anglophone and digital theater and published several articles in peer-reviewed journals.
The Ethics, Aesthetics and Accessibility of Live Theater on Film
Where can you go if you want to see a play? How much do you pay to watch a performance from a velvet seat in a grand theater? How far will you travel to enjoy that live experience? How about in a movie theater near you or even from one of your own screens!
Capturing theater on film has existed since the early days of cinema. Yet, despite its long history, advancements in technology and the rising popularity of digital theater broadcasts, the scholarly, social, and educational impact of live performance films remains undervalued.
My research redresses these gaps and centers on French theater, which has played a major role in shaping how stage performances are recorded. It highlights the unique features of these films, shows how they fulfill their role of preserving a cultural heritage while creating new fertile grounds for the film industry.
I emphasize two aspects of filmed theatre: aesthetics and ethics. “Aesthetics” refers to the interplay between stage and screen, shaping the distinctive features of these films. “Ethics” describes a collaborative approach between film and theater conventions that communicates a unique immersive experience to the screen public. It also increases public participation, enabling diverse audiences to experience theater beyond traditional live settings. In fact, the COVID-19 pandemic proved that for some, digital theater was the only safe stage when live productions were not.
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