Is Theatre Taking Up Where Religion Has Left Off?

“From the 17th century onwards, an essential secularity seems to have been established in theatre, both in terms of content and architecture. … Yet, in our contemporary world, a certain amount of ecclesiastical atmosphere has been reintroduced into the theatre. Directors make more of the echoing silences of large spaces, while contemplation and awe are encouraged … Meanwhile, much of what’s left of contemporary Christianity seems to have forsaken the same sense of awe and reverence in favour of light-filled modern halls, with barely a nod to traditional religious architecture.”