Early theatre

Many people do not realise this, but theatre and the action of performance originated many years before humans could even talk (3.4 million yrs ago to be exact).

This was during the time when humanity was only just beginning to develop (the stone age/caveman era).

The lack of knowledge and tools to live without fear led to very interesting interactions between members of a tribe. If there was an exciting or horrible news that could save or destroy the tribe, the cavemen had to communicate without speech. They would do this by the use overexaggerated gestures, gate and intonations therefore portraying the danger or excitement behind their news. One could imagine this interaction being like a modern day pantomime.

However, even though there was no speech involved, it doesn't mean it wasn't a performance, in fact they had to do their best to inform the others in the tribe about their news as it could help the tribe survive.

Furthermore, a good discovery like fire, that could save the tribe, would often lead to the creation of a ritual. The cavemen would often have a ritual to thank the gods or an upper-being for their survival. This in its own way, is a form of performance.