Before we scrolled, we drew stories on cave walls. Before we directed epics, we passed down myths through generations, sitting intimately around a fire. And before we existed, animals performed to secure mates and protect their own from predators and threats.
Whether it be for play, for self-preservation, or for communication, the constant theme of entertainment seems to be one that’s evolved to remain consistently present throughout Earth’s natural history.
Visible and invisible, intentional and aimless, natural and artificial.
How has entertainment evolved over time and across species? How does it impact who we are today? And how much of it comes from the root of what we once were?
The Inception of Entertainment
Why don’t we try thinking of entertainment not as a direct product of human evolution and development, but rather as stories within stories: A phenomenon that has risen from instinct, need for expression, demand for survival, and insistence of identity.
An enigma that, over time, has presented itself in many different disguises. But at its core, does its purpose remain the same: To share joy, experiences, emotions, and ideas?
The Layers of an Entertainment Artichoke
There seems to be no single form, purpose, or result of entertainment. But rather a constant intersection and complex weave of intrinsic values spread throughout, and contributing to and from evolution.
For example, what thoughts spark when I say, “Patience and persistence are key to success”?
What about “Slow and steady wins the race”?
One of these sentences may have ignited a specific memory of the tortoise and the hare, A children’s story that teaches our young ones to persevere and stay focused if they want to achieve their goals.
One is the story by which we remember the other; the moral and the lesson.
In this example, entertainment in the form of a verbal, performative, or written children’s tale serves the purpose of entertaining, as well as educating and passing on what is considered valuable information.
Now let’s consider entertainment in the form of self-pleasure and self-expression. Surfing is an example of this. An individual activity with the purpose of entertaining and revealing one’s spirit.
However, what is it that additionally occurs when others are watching? What happens when there’s an inkling awareness of being observed by someone other than oneself whilst undertaking a task?
Does surfing then morph into a form of performance and thus, entertainment for others? By definition of performance (an act of presenting a play, concert, or other form of entertainment), surfing can then be considered self-entertainment for joy and expression, as well as a performance for the entertainment and pleasure of others.
The Intersection of Play and Storytelling
Dipping a toe into the notion that entertainment and all of its forms, purposes, and byproducts have shown magnificent complexity within the subject pool.
So, where does it end? Where is the fine line between play and storytelling? Of entertainment within one’s mind and performance within reality? How do the bodies link and overlap to give us entertainment as we know it?
This is the ultimate exploration. A deep dive into the wonders of entertainment, in all of its glorious loops, crosses, reflections, and mirrors.
Join us on this dissection adventure of Earth, time, and its inhabitants, within the symposium of entertainment and performative tendencies.
- Kayli Wouters