How do you measure the success of a classic play in modern times?

1 Audience response

One of the most obvious ways to measure the success of a classic play is to look at how the audience reacts to it. Do they laugh, cry, gasp, or applaud? Do they stay engaged and attentive throughout the performance? Do they give positive feedback and reviews after the show? Audience response can be measured by various methods, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, social media, or word-of-mouth. However, audience response is not always reliable or consistent, as it can be influenced by factors such as mood, expectations, cultural background, or personal preferences.

2 Artistic vision

Another way to measure the success of a classic play is to evaluate how well it fulfills the artistic vision of the playwright, the director, and the actors. How faithful is the adaptation to the original text and context? How creative and innovative is the interpretation and staging? How convincing and expressive are the performances and the characters? Artistic vision can be measured by various methods, such as analysis, criticism, awards, or peer recognition. However, artistic vision is not always objective or universal, as it can be influenced by factors such as style, genre, theme, or message.

3 Social impact

A third way to measure the success of a classic play is to assess how much it affects the society and the culture in which it is performed. Does it raise awareness, challenge assumptions, or inspire action? Does it reflect, question, or transform the values, norms, or issues of the time? Does it resonate, provoke, or educate the public and the media? Social impact can be measured by various methods, such as statistics, studies, reports, or campaigns. However, social impact is not always measurable or immediate, as it can be influenced by factors such as relevance, accessibility, or diversity.

4 Financial outcome

A fourth way to measure the success of a classic play is to calculate how much it earns or costs in terms of money and resources. Does it sell enough tickets, merchandise, or subscriptions? Does it attract enough sponsors, donors, or grants? Does it cover enough expenses, fees, or salaries? Does it generate enough profit, revenue, or return? Financial outcome can be measured by various methods, such as accounting, budgeting, auditing, or forecasting. However, financial outcome is not always indicative or representative, as it can be influenced by factors such as market, competition, or quality.

5 Personal growth

A fifth way to measure the success of a classic play is to examine how much it contributes to the personal growth of the people involved in it. Does it enhance their skills, knowledge, or experience? Does it broaden their perspectives, insights, or connections? Does it enrich their lives, careers, or passions? Personal growth can be measured by various methods, such as self-evaluation, feedback, mentoring, or portfolio. However, personal growth is not always visible or quantifiable, as it can be influenced by factors such as motivation, goals, or satisfaction.

6 Comparative analysis

A sixth way to measure the success of a classic play is to compare it with other plays of the same or different categories. How does it rank, rate, or score among its peers, predecessors, or successors? How does it differ, match, or surpass in terms of quality, popularity, or influence? How does it complement, contrast, or compete in terms of style, genre, or theme? Comparative analysis can be measured by various methods, such as benchmarks, criteria, or indicators. However, comparative analysis is not always fair or accurate, as it can be influenced by factors such as bias, standards, or trends.