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A walk-through history of theatre

Tips for Teachers
Now that museums and galleries are thankfully once again admitting visitors, Nick Smurthwaite explores some of the highlights of the V&A's Theatre & Performance galleries
The V&A is a great starting place for materials to teach students theatre history, such as this painting of actor Ira Frederick Aldridge (1807-1867) as Otello
The V&A is a great starting place for materials to teach students theatre history, such as this painting of actor Ira Frederick Aldridge (1807-1867) as Otello - DE AGOSTINI PICTURE LIBRARY/BRIDGEMAN IMAGES

Of all the arts, theatre is probably least suited to the museum environment. Its USP is transience and spontaneity. It is a shared experience in the moment, not something to be peered at behind glass or pored over on the page.

None of this deterred the Victoria & Albert Museum ten years ago from setting up a special area of its mighty South Kensington edifice devoted to theatre and performance, following the process of production from the spark of an idea through to the presentation of a performance.

As things have turned out this year, perhaps any theatrical experience is better than none.

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