The Rough Theater

"I know why the caged bird sings." -Maya Angelou

I think that this is a well written article that is attempting to capture the spirit of the theater. The theater isn't a physical place. It is a small gathering of people who share a common interest and coming together in whatever conditions are available. Who would appreciate cinema more than a group of prisoners like the ones mentioned in this story? In times and places where the conditions are/were terrible, cinema is something that has the magical ability to get people involved, whether it be making their own films or enjoying those at a traveling theater. In times of censorship it serves as a weapon, a way around the oppression to symbolically insert symbols and visual images that show what is really going on behind the scenes.
Watching a film in a small gathering with others is the same concept as listening to a beautiful piece of music, reading a book, or playing a game. These are the things that set us free. Always have, always will. It's the reason we're here, because without these things, why else? 

It's about people opening their minds to a new world and sharing an experience together.
We are fortunate enough to have quite a few rough theaters here in Wilmington. The Brown Coat Pub and theater is a tiny building with a particular charm because the entire room is pretty much the stage. The lively actors reach out to an audience who have everything they need: each other, theater, and of course, a bar.
James Kruel always does his screenings at the opera room Monday nights at 9:00pm right when our 6x1 class ends, and I've had many good conversations with the film enthusiasts there. That place has also been the birthplace of some of my own personal ideas for projects.
I cannot wait to see the wonderful things my classmates have done with this 48 hour video race!