Theater and Psychology: A Symbiotic Relationship

Abstract

There seems to be a real affinity between the worlds of psychology and the theater. Each uses the other as a lens through which to better understand its own core concerns. Jargon from each realm is borrowed by the other and freely used to explain core principles. Actors delve deep into the psychological history of a character to discern motivations. Psychologists speak in terms of roles adopted and employed. As a young actor and director, Jeff Zinn routinely explored the psychology of characters in plays, but looking for clues to a character in an Ionesco play led him toward a new line of inquiry and to figures like Irvin Yalom, Sheldon Solomon, and, above all, Ernest Becker.