100 Theatre Plays that can change the way you perceive Life.

You are an Artist; whether you work in the theatre, in you are a dancer, an accountant, an entrepreneur, a salesperson- you are an Artist. You can take nothings and make them into somethings.

Here is a list of 100 theatre plays that can change the way you perceive Life. These plays will make you laugh, cry, think, will challenge you and empower you, will make you face the wall, will ask you questions, will give you answers. These plays will help you exercise your creative imagination and be able to find solutions to your life's challenges.

1. Poetics by Aristotle.
2. Oresteia by Aeschylus
3. Prometheus Bound by Aeschylus
4. Theban Plays by Sophocles
5. Iphigenia in Tauris by Euripides
6. Hippolytus by Euripides
7. The Acharnians by Aristophanes
8. Lysistrata by Aristophanes
9. Dyskolos by Menander
10. Amphitryon by Plautus
11. Phaedra by Seneca
12. The recognition of Shakuntala by Kalidasa
13. Sonnets by Shakespeare
14. Richard III by Shakespeare
15. Taming of the Shrew by Shakespeare
16. Hamlet by Shakespeare
17. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
18. Ralph Roister Doister by Nicholas Udall
19. Eufemia by Lope de Rueda
20. The Spanish Tragedy by Thomas Kyd
21. The Jew of Malta by Christopher Marlowe
22. Madness in Valencia by Lope de Vega
23. Le Cid by Pierre Corneille
24. Phedre by Racine
25. The Bourgeois Gentleman by Moliere
26. Tartuffe by Moliere
27. The Beggar’s Opera by John Gay
28. Oedipe by Voltaire
29. The Servant of Two Masters by Goldoni
30. Mozart and Salieri by Alexander Pushkin
31. Danton’s Death by Georg Buchner
32. Woyzeck by Georg Buchner
33. The Italian Straw Hat by Eugene Labiche
34. A Doll’ s House by Henrik Ibsen
35. Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen
36. Peer Gynt by Henrik Ibsen
37. Miss Julie by August Strindberg
38. Dreamplay by August Strindberg
39. Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw
40. Caesar and Cleopatra by George Bernard Shaw
41. Cathleen ni Houlihan by W.B. Yeats
42. Three Sisters by Anton Checkov
43. The Cherry Orchard by Anton Checkov
44. Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand
45. Children of the Sun by Maxim Gorky
46. A Flea in her ear by Georges Feydeau
47. Six Characters in Search of an Author by Luigi Pirandello
48. Street Scene by Elmer Rice
49. Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward
50. Juno and the Paycock by Sean O’Casey
51. The threepenny opera by Bertol Brecht
52. The Madwoman of Chaillot by Jean Giraudoux
53. Antigone by Jean Annuilh
54. Yerma by Federico Garcia Lorca
55. Our Town by Thornton Wilder
56. A Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams
57. The Rose Tatoo by Tennessee Williams
58. Mourning Becomes Electra by Eugene O’Neil
59. Long Day’s Journey into Night by Eugene O’Neil
60. The Maids by Jean Genet
61. Rhinoceros by Ionesco
62. The Bald Soprano by Ionesco
63. Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett
64. A view from the Bridge by Arthur Miller
65. Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller
66. Look back in Anger by John Osborne
67. Waiting for Lefty by Clifford Odets
68. Awake and Sing by Clifford Odets
69. The Birthday Party by Harold Pinter
70. A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry
71. Barefoot in the park by Neil Simon
72. The Odd Couple by Neil Simon
73. The Zoo Story by Edward Albee
74. Who is afraid of Virginia Woolf? by Edward Albee
75. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead by Tom Stoppard
76. Sleuth by Anthony Shaffer
77. A mouthful of Birds by Caryl Churchill
78. Glengarry Glen Ross by David Mamet
79. Educating Rita by Willy Russell
80. The Pittsburgh Cycle by August Wilson
81. The Heidi Chronicles by Wendy Wasserstein
82. Angels in America by Tony Kushner
83. Three Fat Virgins by Ovidia Yu
84. Miss Margarida’s Way by Roberto Athayde
85. The grapes of Wrath by Frank Galati
86. Dancing at Lughnasa by Brian Friel
87. Proof by David Auburn
88. Red by John Logan
89. The Elephant Man by Bernard Pomerance
90. Equus by Peter Shafer
91. The Miracle Worker by William Gibson
92. The Cocktail Party by T.S.Eliot
93. Love!Valour!Compassion by Terrence McNally
94. Art by Yasmin Reza
95. Closer by Patrick Marber
96. August: Osage County by Tracy Letts
97. Children of a Lesser God by Mark Madoff
98. Death and the Maiden by Ariel Dorfman
99. The madness of George III by Alan Bennett
100. Skylight by David Hare

What are your favourite plays that we should add to this list?

What was the play you saw or read recently that you want to share with us? Why?

Leave your comment below and we will update the list.

Thank you for your contribution.

Theodora is the creator and founder of the TVP Foundation which operates through two main venues: The International Theatre in English and The Los Angeles Method. You can read more about her work here.

You can join our Success Masterclass or our #theSTARinyou Online Class.

Testimonials | The Los Angeles Method

“Acting in Theodora Voutsa’s Oedipus Rex has made me a better person. First, rehearsing with Theodora and learning the Los Angeles Method has changed my relationship with myself. I now have a framework and vocabulary for how I experience emotion. Not only do I better understand what I am feeling, I also seek out new emotional experiences rather than avoiding them.

Perhaps more importantly though, the experience has changed how I interact with the world. I better understand not only my own objectives, but those of others around me, which makes me a better colleague, friend, and partner. 

Performing for a sold-out theatre also has some unique benefits. The most obvious of those is the boost in self-confidence that comes from having successfully rehearsed and performed an entire play alongside a talented cast. More subtle though, is that theatre puts the rest of life in perspective. The commitment, focus, and high stakes of putting on our show made it clear that things I had previously felt were huge problems are really only minor annoyances.

I wholeheartedly recommend this to others and can hardly wait to do it again myself.”

— BRIAN PAGAN

“I have had the privilege in working with Theodora Voutsa as an actress on my feature film “Gamilio Party”. Theodora’s professionalism and performance skills were of the highest expectations that one director could have. She has the ability to encourage actors around her to step into deeper levels of emotion while in character. She has a positive approach in story and a charismatic element that allows her self to shine.”

— CHRISTINE CROKOS | DIRECTOR | PRODUCER | LOS ANGELES. CALIFORNIA

The Los Angeles Method | photo by BalansLab

“I have already attended a workshop “Acting for personal and professional growth” given by Theodora Voutsa. And it was the most amazing workshop I have ever attended. Theodora is an excellent coach full of energy and passion for what she is doing. So I would like to highly recommend this training. I am more than sure that it will cause great reactions from the people who will attend.”

— SNEZANA ZIVCEVSKA- STALPERS | IBM

“he Los Angeles Method for me was a real eye-opener. Theodora, you are the first person I saw that I can say, with my whole heart, is an excellent trainer/lifecoach in personal development. I can recommend this workshop to everyone in the world, the methods and te excercises are very universal and can fit for everyone who believes he/she can change and he/she is 100% responsible for their own growth. You are the best trainer in my opinion I saw till now in my life, with the best working method in personal development. My motto is from now, YES YOU CAN CHANGE AND YOU ARE 100% RESPONSIBLE FOR IT!, Thank you, Theodora!”

— NAFIZE SENER | ENTREPRENEUR | NETHERLANDS

“My experience with the Los Angeles Method was very positive: it made me think about my habits, my convictions about myself and the world, about my reactiveness to my own patterns, and also that it is possible to look at them and learn to change, alone for that it was well worth it! Understanding the connection from those thoughts to what my reality is, made me become more aware and more alert to who to change my circumstances. It really lightened up my curiosity to self knowledge! It is still a work in progress and the tools I got from the course are indeed useful and insightful, I’d recommend this course to anyone who wants to get to understand himself or herself better. Theodora lead the course in a very kind, non judgmental way, hearing every one’s thoughts, words, fears, joys and opinions and addressing everyone in a joyful inspiring way, and inspiring everyone to take part in creating better experiences for themselves. Wonderful!”

— FRANCISCO | PORTUGAL

“Theodora worked seamlessly, providing a rich, experiential introduction to both coaching and acting, and how the two can be complementary. She also made it perfectly accessible for both Italian and English speakers, and created a safe, non judgmental and fun environment for those unfamiliar with coaching, acting or both. Coaching, and acting, ask us to dig deep, face our greatest fears, and live (or act) from a place of integrity. This isn’t easy; you have to be willing to be vulnerable and to do so in a group of strangers could be profoundly uncomfortable. Theodora created a safe and comfortable space for us to explore, work , play and grow together. I am a coach but even I was amazed at what she managed to create and inspire in each participant, and the growth that resulted, in just two days.”

— AMY GILESON | LIFE COACH | NY. USA

“These workshops have been a wonderful journey of releasing my inner blockages, and inspiriting a joyful approach to achieve my goals. As an actress, Theodora has empowered me to constructively work in the profession with a grounded yet joyful approach. The tools and techniques are simple, quick and effective in understanding your strengths and releasing your inhibitions. I highly recommend these seminars, if you are looking for success, happiness and peace in all areas of your life”

— VEEJAY KAUR | ACTRESS | LONDON. UK

“This Workshop is wonderful for all aspects of one’s life. It is really inspiring, manageable and teaches things that I will put to use immediately. The relationship between exercises, listening and noting the experience was really nice. I learned many new things. Thank you!”

— ANNA BUTTERWORTH, USA

“At first, a lot of strangers and chaos. We were a group of individuals who shared an atomic experience and, in the process, formed a cohesive unit. For many of us, it was a baptism by fire. But, like clay cups, we needed the fire to turn us into fine, strong porcelain. I was often left breathless with love – both given and received. We witnessed and supported each other’s breakthroughs and many tears were shed as we connected with parts of ourselves we didn’t know existed.

I learned that, whether you’re in a corporate career or an artistic one, a strong work ethic and an ability to communicate and co-operate with others is essential.

I learned the fine balance between trust and taking responsibility.

I learned that there is a time to speak and a time to stay silent, and that too many words swallow the meaning.

Theodora: Passionate, impatient, temperamental, with a heart as huge as her talent. Strong vision and drive, and a firm handle on both the bigger picture and every minute detail. No tolerance for bullshit, excuses or drama queens; a knack for understanding someone’s pain and knowing when to use it to break down barriers and when to comfort it to prevent creating them. A very tough task-master who only accepts the best from each of us. I discovered that if I let go of my defensiveness, just gave my very best and allowed myself to be taught, magic happened.

We created something exquisite – all of us together. I still feel tears of pride pricking my eyes when I look at the photos”

— SANDY TOPZAND

“I have always loved theatre and enjoyed watching the performances. I never acted before, never been on stage.

When I learned about Oedipus Rex, I thought “why not” and joined the first meeting in June 2014. I really wanted to join the cast but got scared to make a fool of myself as a non-actor. (I am an IT professional :)). I asked Theodora if she will be open with her feedback and if I have no talent not to let me go on stage. She laughed and said there will be something to do for everyone and she will never allow anyone of us to fail as “Oedipus Rex” must succeed.

The only condition was to give our commitment, our time and energy during the process. I decided to join. As I was very excited from the first moment onwards; I did bring a very close friend to join the cast and do this together.

I did have a unique and wonderful experience from day 1 onwards. Acting means putting yourself forward, getting away from your fears and embracing yourself. I opened up, met myself in a very different way; I started to dare, let my emotions show, and not be inhibited by my fears. ” I am worthy” has been our motto; I now understand what it means.

In the process we connected with all our fellow actors; anticipating their mood, movements, understanding their needs and emotions; getting to know them both as friends and also actors.

We did many exercises during each rehearsal; started with warm ups, did team building exercises, acting, singing, …

I discovered my capabilities I would never be aware of. This has been very fulfilling for me; also created a new energy and drive for my day to day life. Suddenly the routine of my life changed. I was looking forward to Saturday’s and the rehearsals.

Being part of the Oedipus Rex cast gave me additional strength to deal with the difficult situations at work and in my personal life. I am a stronger person now; more open for change and with more self-confidence. If I can be successful on stage, in front of many people and get their applause, I can do anything I put my mind and energy into.

The performances were also unique experiences for me. Technical week, preparations, getting into character, being present and connecting with the audience in such a way to let them live through the story and emotions with us. I really enjoyed every moment of it.

This experience and what I learned during the process is also very useful for me during my work. It is all about people, connecting and communicating. Also embracing change. These are qualities that can be applicable to my job, actually any job, as we all work with people. The best achievements are done via a good and efficient teamwork.

I am already recommending this experience to friends as I believe anybody who will put their commitment and energy into this process will go though a life changing experience and will benefit from it.

I started to feel young, energetic, happy and capable again … What more could I want ?”

— HALE PARLAYAN | NETHERLNDS/TURKEY

“My experience with the Oedipus “project” was in short amazing; a once in a life time experience. From the first day I participated , I was hooked. The presence of Theodora was so powerful, so embracing and encouraging that I decided to be part of this project from the first day; I didn’t know what I could do, or if i was up to the challenge but I decided to give a try. I found the whole process so challenging and very awarding at the personal level; it forced me and all others to get rid of all kind of emotional , physical barriers we all had in the beginning ; our “vulnerability “ led to a very special bond among all of us based on trust, care , and love and mutual drive.  

The next 6 months was working together, rehearsing, learning techniques, learning each other and learning more about yourself all in a very demanding, highly challenging , quite entertaining and competitive environment but never competing with others; always with yourself only to exceed what you have done so far. I felt growing stronger in presence but becoming selfless at the same time. It was amazing to observe and also experience how Theodora stimulates the group and individuals to go through different stages of emotions, that at the end brings everybody closer to each other and to own self.

The performances were a complete different experience: first of all only at that time I saw how those seemingly disparate and unrelated small things started to make sense and fell into their own place ; it made be comfortable and confident to realize how well all was actually thought, designed from early on: we were stirred to grow and fulfill the space designated.  

I already started to encourage many people I know, especially the young ones to go through a similar experience which will help them in their own personal development as well as in their current or future carrier aspirations. I was very privileged to go thru this journey under the guidance of Theodora.”

— MUGE ERGECEN | NETHERLANDS

“With all sincerity it has been a long time since I have used time so well. Theodora is just fantastic! She talks with so much power and love at the same time, creating a unique environment! I will certainly use what I have learned here. It is hard to describe how great I feel after the Workshop. Thank you so much!”

— JORGE FONSECA | COSTA RICA

“It was a unique experience. In my opinion it was a well organized Workshop, with a variety of different exercises, that were very helpful. Helpful in order to understand better ourselves, our needs and the others’ needs and characters. What remains after the Workshop is a feeling of calmness and openess that can lead to a better connection with ourselves and everyone around us.”

— ZOE FRAGOULOPOULOU | GREECE

“I loved the practical exercises. Theodora is very welcoming and warm. This put me at ease to be myself. I liked the emphasis on mutual help at the end. I am really glad I came. I learned a lot of things. Thank you very much Theodora!”

— GREGORY BERGE | FRANCE

“The content of the Workshop was not new to me, but the way Theodora expressed these principles made me hear and understand things in a new way. I can use these principles to create the relationship I desire from and with my life”

— SHANA CORDON | USA

“I think we did a great amount of work. Theodora was focused, loving and productive and her open mentality allowed for a really safe atmosphere for people to explore and grow. I enjoyed all of teh activities. I am impressed by the structure and balance of work.”

— MOLLY ZIMMELMAN | USA

“I think the Workshop was very clear. Learned techniques that are useful to me and my craft. I was very happy I was here. Thank you!”

— FRANCESCA MCKAY | ITALY

“It was very direct (no bullshit or small talk), very professional and to the point advice”

— MICHAEL | AMSTERDAM

“I liked the fact that this method’s approach can be adopted to all our relationships. It is a kind of mirror, you come so close to yourself and inner feelings. You peel your layers till you become yourself, that is what I have liked mostly.”

— PELIN | NETHERLANDS

“The concept, exercises and most of all Theodora’s charisma as a coach, actor; this is high level material explained in a motivational and workable format to use in your every day life.”

— NICOS | AMSTERDAM

"The hand can never execute anything higher than the heart can imagine". [The Artist's Way]

To succeed in life, you need to find the Artist within you. You need to come in contact with that part of yourself that creates. Whether you work in Business, Finance, Marketing, Health, Arts, Culture- whether you do not work at all- to live and experience the life that you want and deserve, you need to unleash your creative powers!

You have creative powers, because you were born an Artist.

Why do some people find it easy to be creative and come up with brilliant and unique ideas and others don't? 

Is it just their type or is it just a matter of behaviour and attitude? Are creative people programmed in a different way?

NO!

The good news are that we are all programmed to create.

We all have the series of cognitive processes required for our ability to conceive complex ideas and realise them.  

The difference between an Artist, someone who creates their circumstances instead of just reacting to them, and someone who does not believe they are an Artist- and just reacts to the circumstances that Life brings his or her way- is just a THOUGHT.

That thought is called a Confining Conviction, a Limiting Belief, a False Program you downloaded along the way of becoming you.

More good news! You can reprogram these Confining Convictions. You can reprogram them using  the tools provided by The Los Angeles Method, or if you can find another method- with that too. The only prerequisite is that you will WANT to make the change.

You need to want to make the shift. No one can make it for you. It is your Life and you are 100% responsible for it.

What helped me make the shift, what helped me make the change and start creating the life I want to lead, to start designing my life- is ART. Embracing the Artist within me helped me unleash my creative powers. This is why I created The Los Angeles Method- the feeling was too good not to share it with others.

Feeling self confident, powerful, standing on my own two feet, not being afraid to express my self, creating what gave me pleasure and helped me expand and grow, becoming strong to be able to help others rise with me are only a few of the benefits I gained along the way of becoming an Artist.

Art helps you release, unblock your emotions, get in contact with the Authentic and True you. Art supports your critical thinking, grows your self confidence. Of course my suggestion is not to evacuate all the offices, or Universities, or markets and grab a brush, or jump on stage or grab a microphone.

My suggestion is to use the technique of the Artist, the knowledge in creativity, in our every day life.

"The hand can never execute anything higher than the heart can imagine"

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Art opens your heart; from your heart you can create a stronger and more fulfilling reality.

Artists are entrepreneurs. They are willing to stake everything for the chance to go for it. Artists are drawn to money. The great historical centres of art such as Venice, Amsterdam, Paris, New York were also great centres for business. 

Rubens was a great artist and a brilliant businessman. His assistants would work in his studio- factory in Antwerp and he would travel to all the aristocratic houses selling his work.

Profit buys freedom, freedom buys time, time allows you to create what you want and need.

An enterprising view is necessary for success. 

Find the artist within you, the creator. As Leonardo Da Vinci observed:

" It has long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things."

That is the Artist's Way! To turn Nothings into Somethings.

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You are the Olive Tree.

Listen to the post here: The Los Angeles Method Podcast

Imagine you are a strong, rich, generous, beautiful and fruitful Olive Tree. olive Trees are loved trees because of the rich gifts they offer. They live for hundreds of years and offer food, shade, materials, life. Do not forget that the Olive Tree was the gift that Goddess Athena, the Goddess of wisdom, offered the Athenians as a symbol of life and abundance.

You are that Olive Tree. At first you are a small seed. No one can tell you are an Olive Tree, not even you. You are thinking "I am just a tiny dot. How can I offer food to so many people, olive oil and shade and protection for years to come? I will not make it! I am just a tiny seed!" And you get scared and overwhelmed with what lies ahead, all the responsibilities and demands. 

These are your limiting beliefs. These are your Confining Convictions, the false "programs you have downloaded" along your way.

The work we do with The Los Angeles Method reprograms all these Confining Convictions, these thoughts that you have accepted as facts, and liberates you from what weighs you down. 

That is how we plant the seed- You- into a rich and nourishing soil. Then we work on your values, anti values, habits and more- the nutrients that will help you rise strong and tall and rich. We work on releasing any unwanted elements that are weighing you down. 

Now that you have your "roots" well planted in a rich and supporting "soil", we work on your goals, in the most creative way- using a combination of Acting and Personal Development Techniques. 

We use Acting Techniques and games to give you the tools to create any "Role" you want to play in life and achieve any "scene objective" you want.