Naturalism to the Extreme

Reading about show trials made me think about performance in general. The major purpose for these trials is to ultimately give a recount of the truth. This is very reminiscent of theatre, which according to Aristotle, tries to perform universals [within the action] which will then show the truth. These mass trials are in effect trying to present something to the audience, which they will hope, will create a form of impact of the audience of those involved. In this way, besides the outcome of the victim if charges are placed against them, show trials are merely a form of propaganda. This doesn't mean show trials are necessarily bad, they could be, but if done correctly and justly then it is propaganda for the good of humanity. This is the same dilemma theatre faces; if you are not philosophizing about the ultimate goal of the production itself then it could lead audiences astray, which is what most media today does anyway, but if it confronts and grips it audiences, challenges them, gives them a sense of novelty through a powerful experience, it can then lead to rationalizing actions in the future, which will lead to the well being of society and men. In a way the, these show trials are a form of performance which takes naturalism to a new level (naturalism being different than realism).