Shock Horror and the History of Horror in Theatre

Introduction

• Event: Thunder Road Theatre's play Shock Horror at the Connaught
• Theme: Horror in theatre, comparison with screen horror, evolution of the genre

About Shock Horror

• Setting: Abandoned cinema
• Plot: Follows Herbert who grew up in the cinema, returning for answers leading to nightmares
• Inspiration: Classic theatre ghost stories, cinema frights
• Features: Combination of live performance and film

History of Horror

Gothic Origins

• Historical Context: Predates written word
• 18th/19th Century Gothic Literature
  • Example: Frankenstein, Dracula, Dickens’ ghost stories
  • Themes: Social fears, supernatural fantasy, morality threats
• Impact: Made fears and anxieties visual and relatable

Victorian Horror on Stage

• Growth: With changes in theatre censorship
• Famous Venue: Grand Guignol in Paris - opened 1897
  • Known for gory, voyeuristic performances
  • Examples: Titus Andronics, The Duchess of Malfi
• Audience Reaction: Mixed between horror and laughter
• Modern Examples: 2014 production of Cleansed and 2016 Titus Andronicus causing distress

Silver Screen Scares

• Early Horror Films: The Cabinet of Dr Caligari (1920), Nosferatu (1922)
• Advantage: Ability to use multiple settings and special effects
• Realistic Gore: Screen allows for more realistic portrayal of horror
• Modern Films: The Babadook, Get Out, Us - tackle current sociopolitical issues
• Legacy: Themes from Gothic literature continue to influence

Horror on Stage vs. Screen

Key Differences

• Live Performance: Real people performing horror
• Moral Dilemma: Should audiences intervene?
• Audience Impact: Different effects due to live performance

Postmodern Theatre

• Breaking Conventions: Audience participation, uncertainty
• Example: The Woman In Black uses traditional conventions to build fear

Subjectivity of Horror

• Stephen King: Horror involves symbolic confrontation of fears
• Audience Variation: Different reactions to theatre vs. film

Upcoming Events at WTM

• Shock Horror: A blend of live performance, illusion, and film
• Halloween Events:
  • Rocky Horror sing-a-long
  • Mystery Horror Triple Bill
• Future Production: Dracula by Blackeyed Theatre in January
• Support WTM: Information on donations and memberships

This summary captures the essence of horror's evolution from its origins through literature and stage to modern cinema, highlighting the unique attributes of theatre horror and upcoming events at Worthing Theatres and Museum.