In the first chapter of Computers as Theater, author Brenda Laurel trys to find a humanistic way of viewing computers. Seeing as computer technology as we know it is less than 50 years old, it makes sense that we would want to connect this brand new technology with something we are used to, like theater.
Granted, the theater isn't the perfect metaphor for the modern computer. Unlike theater, the "audience" of the computer interface has much more interactive say in what goes on during the performance. In fact, the audience has primary say of what happens in the performance. Every button is a line and every motion of the mouse is a swift dance step across the stage.
However, where the user is a kind of director in this play of ones and zeros, the CPU is the cast and crew all together. The computer must perform the tasks asked of it as an actor would, but also set the stage and place every piece in the exact right spot.
When it comes to the comparison, the theater is probably or best bet for identifying what is happening when we use a computer. Every piece of the puzzle is needed to make the performance happen. If the user/audience isn't there, there is no rhyme or reason for the computer to do anything. Without the a monitor or mouse, there is no way for us to communicate efficiently, and without a central processor, there is no performance. As in theater, every aspect is important to the overall feel of what is happening. Computers as Theater presents a wonderful case for a fair analogy that can be used world wide with a fair amount of recognition and understanding.
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