The word entertainment is derived from the Medieval Latin intertenere, meaning “to hold inside.” In fact, it can be stretched to include any kind of holding in place.
What’s interesting is the way in which entertainments adapt and transform to suit different contexts and audience needs. From an individual who chooses a private entertainment for a romantic evening, to a group choosing the contents of a banquet; to performances intended for thousands of people—the possibilities are endless.
Entertaiment reflects the world in which we live, and provides a sense of how our culture has evolved. It is an intrinsic part of human life, influenced by narrative traditions and moralism.