Ethics and Theater?

Some people would ask- how do theater and ethics really relate?
In my Acting 2 class, we had a conversation on how we, as actors, use and present ethics.

First of all, let's give a general definition for ethics so we are all on the same page. As defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictonray, Ethics are "rules of behavior based on ideas about what is morally good and bad."

Now that we are all on the same page, let talk. 

What rights do I, as an actor, have to portray and adjust ethics? Performers are unique in such a way that they have true power to manipulate the ideas, ethics, and feelings of the audience. When you watch a truly moving show or performance, it moved your because it connected to you personally- because it had a realistic feeling, in whatever which way. Remember that the show was not real. Even if it really did happen, in present time, the things that were happening on stage did not "really" happen (as far as death, ailment, etc goes). How could a person be so moved by something that did not really, presently happen? Manipulation. Sometimes the best kind of manipulation. The performers on-stage convinced you to feel something. They had the power to change how you felt in the present time, and maybe even in the long run. Sometimes, shows can even change our entire perspective on life and people.

So what part do we as actors play in choosing what ethics to convince you of or to open up to you? Well, that's up to the actor/director/producer. Some people feel more things are important to share than others, but that is besides the point.

What about a show that feels harsh, that simply beats you over the head with opinions? Maybe you have been the witness of a show or performance that way. Those shows choose to, in a sense and as much as they are able, take away the audiences agency. They choose to use this idea of ethics wrongly. Shoving opinions in your face makes a show unenjoyable. Theater is meant to open minds and hearts- to make people think and evaluate their own selves and lives. 

Tbat all is only a taste of how theater uses eithics. This topic is one that I could go into much more deeply, but will let you ponder on your own for now.