Theatre in Contemporary Society Midterm
Hamartia
"Missing the mark"; either a tragic flaw or a critical mistake made by the protagonist (not always their fault)
4 Italian Renaissance Contributions to Western Theatre
1. Acting (Comedia dell'arte) 2. Theatre architecture 3. Scenic design 4. Dramatic criticism/Neoclassical ideals
Elizabethan Theater Types
1. Public/Outdoor 2. Private/Indoor
Hotel de Bourgogne
1st permanent theatre building after the Romans. Theatres in France were similar to those in Renaissance Italy but differed in that they tended to be long and narrow (some were converted tennis courts). Sometimes nobles sat ON the stage. They were on the sides, not actually in front of the actors. (They wanted to be seen in their fancy clothes).
Aeschylus
1st to develop (extant) written drama. "Founder of Greek Drama" - hence Western drama. Exclusively wrote tragedies. About noble families, lofty themes. The Oresteia, a trilogy Added a second actor - true dialogue: Reduced size of chorus from 50 to 12
Neoclassical Standard for Genres
2 choices: Tragedy or Comedy Tragedy always dealt with Royal people, sad ending. Comedy was about the commoners.
New Comedy a.k.a. domestic comedy.
3rd Century B.C.E. About everyday people, stock character types. Only remnants of the Chorus is singing and dancing between acts.
When was theatre first developed?
5th century B.C.E. in Athens.
Court Entertainment: The Masque
A contrast to the violent tragedies of the day. Elaborate, produced at court. Introduced Italianate scenery. Honored and flattered the monarch.
Neutral Platform Stage
A pageant wagon may have a specific background. A stationary setting may have mansions for individual scenes. The most important playing area was in front of these settings. Used willing suspension of disbelief.
Rake Stage
Actors are at an angle. Creates an illusion
The Comedie Francaise
After Molière's death, Louis XIV merged Molière's troupe with another one and formed the Comedie Francaise. It was the first national theatre in the world and it still exists today! They still perform works by Molière, Cornielle, Racine, international playwrights, and contemporary French Playwrights.
Processional staging
Also known as pageant wagons. Audiences assembled in various areas. Play is set up on wagons that moved from locale to locale. Not the norm.
Dionysus
Also known by Romans as Bacchus God of wine, fertility, and revelry.
Lysistrata
An old comedy play written in 411 B.C.E. A sex comedy about women who withold sex to make peace.
Ben Jonson
Another exception to the norm of dark and violent plays. Friend and collaborator of Shakespeare. Bridges the Elizabethan and Jac/Car periods. Early adopter of neoclassical ideals in England. Wrote Court Masques (eventually these far outnumbered his plays).
Who did the neoclassicists derive their ideals from?
Aristotle
Aristotle
Aristotle was a philosopher, NOT a playwright. Tragic Form (classical plot structure) 1st person in western history to analyze drama in writing. Wrote Poetics, the classic primer on the elements of dramatic writing. Lived long after these playwrights.
Theatre in the Hellenistic Age
Athens defeated in the Pelloponessian wars. Alexander the great became supreme leader. This is the Hellenistic age, we see the rise of professional actors and new comedy.
Elements of Theatre
Audience Playing Space Performers Visual Elements Text Director
Proscenium Arch Stage
Audience all faces one direction looks through a rectangle 'frame'. Perhaps the idea came from picture frames. Basic theatre that we still see today. 4th wall comes into play.
Public Theatres
Audiences on 3 sides The Pit: aka the "yard"; people called 'groundings'. Galleries: bench seats available; on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd tiers; rich people liked the 2nd tier. Lords' Rooms: boxes on the 2nd tier, next to the stage; the most expensive seats; the best location to hear, but couldn't really see the play; probably frequented by prostitutes.
Acring in Private Indoor Theatres
Because of on-stage violence, stage combat was a necessary skill. Movement towards more "natural" acting. However there was: doubling or tripling of roles, minimal rehearsal time, and of course, young boys performed the female roles.
Shakespeare's Career
Becomes a shareholder in the company and a part owner of the Globe Theater. Likely not only wrote and acted, but helped manage the troupe.
The English Renaissance
Begins around 1845ish. Ends in 1642 with the English Civil War. Other names are Early Modern England and The Elizabethan Period. Queen Elizabeth ruled 1558-1603. Reigned for 45 years. Defeat of the Spanish Armada (1588): dropped importance of Catholic church; proved that England was strong; opened another age of discovery and more trade routes.
Tiring House in Public Theatres
Behind stage; basic scenic element; where costume changes occur; perhaps to store props & furniture. 1st level: performers could make exits and entrances through doors. 2nd level: could be used as a balcony. 3rd level: musicians' gallery, for musicians, or perhaps audience.
Shakespeare's Early Life
Born about 85 miles out of London in Stratford-Upon-Avon. Modest family, father was a glove-maker. Received some education but had to leave school at 13.
Terence
Born in Carthage and came to Rome as an enslaved boy. Possibly the first Black playwright in Western History. His owner was a senator, who freed Terence and made sure that he was educated. Wrote 6 plays Based his work on Greek models Subtle and complex, humor was more verbal and less physical. Language more elegant than Plautus Greatly admired by later dramatists, but less popular than Plautus in his time.
Greek and Roman Manuscripts
Byzantium fell in 1453. Greek and Roman manuscripts transferred to the West. Serendipitous timing because it happened around the time of a hunger for learning and education, new wealth, and the printing press. For the wealthy.
Old Comedy
Can take place in many different locations. Has more chorus members. Can take place over a longer period of time. Often were satirizing current figures.
The Decline of Religious Theatre
Catholic church weakened in 16th century Protestant Reformation Protestant churches felt religious drama was a tool of Catholicism. Catholic church withdrew support of theatre. An even outlawed religious drama in Paris in 1548. The secular within the religious drama overwhelmed religious material. The subplot within The Second Shepherds' Play was a preview of the development of the great secular drama of the English renaissance.
Decorum
Characters should behave in ways based on age, gender, profession, and rank. Expected to follow set behavior deemed appropriate.
Molière's Plays
Characters strongly influenced by Commedia dell'arte. Wrote almost exclusively in rhyming couplets (things rhyme more easily in French).
Satyr Plays
Comic plays Structured like tragedy but usually satirized the myths and heroes of the preceding plays. Usually included sexual material. Satyr chorus (half-goat, half-man) wore short tunics, under which protruded a false, erect phallus. The only one still existing is The Cyclops by Euripides.
William Shakespeare (1564-1616)
Considered the greatest playwright in the English language. His writing entered the English language in expressions that we still use every day (i.e. Heart of Gold, For Goodness Sake).
Euripides
Considered to be most "modern". Characters behaved as everyday people do. Portrayed gods as human and fallible. Believable female characters. Criticized for less use of chorus, sensational subjects, and mixing comedy and tragedy. Not the most popular when alive, but his dramatic methods have been copied by ancient and modern playwrights. 18 plays still exist, including Medea, and the only surviving satyr play.
Iamb
Consists of one short (or unstressed) syllable followed by one long (or stressed) syllable. IT IS ONLY ONE SET. Looks like: __ /
Costumes in Private Indoor Theatres
Costumes were Elizabethan streetwear. Little concerned with historical accuracy. We do think Roman Characters wore togas over Elizabethan clothes.
Climactic Drama (a.k.a. Crisis Drama)
Deals with a series of reversals in fortune, and the eventual downfall of the protagonist. Begins with action near the high point of the story (climax or crisis), protagonist already in the middle of struggle. Prototype for drama in Ancient Greece, and up to today. Few characters. One main plot. Short time period. One locale. Exposition necessary to bring the audience up to speed.
Neoclassical Ideals
Decorum Verisimilitude The Unities (Time, Place Action) Genres (only 2)
Popular entertainment
Distinct from theatre because it lacks text. There was no theatre in the dark ages in the western world, but they did have popular entertainment. Ex: juggling, dancing, acrobatics, magic.
Rise of merchant class in The Italian Renaissance
Dominance of church declined. Trade: merchant class emerged and grew. Wealthy families, such as the Medicis. Patronage systems. Invested in lots of art.
Verisimilitude
Drama was to be true to life
El Cid
Dramatic and violent play written by Cornielle. Commercial and popular success. Not popular with critics.
Medieval Mystery Plays
Dramatized events or figures from the bible. 'Cycle' refers to a number of plays presented in sequence. Written in the vernacular, and staged outdoors.
Louis XIV
During his reign, France was the leading European power. Louis was a huge patron of the theatre. Arts flourished. The same year he ascended the throne, Jean-Baptiste Poquelin established a theatre troupe. Later known as Moliere (to avoid embarrassing his family) Known as the "Sun King".
Times and cultures when theatre was prohibited by religion
Early christianity, and later during the commonwealth period (mid-1600s). Ancient Judaism. Ancient, and sometimes modern Islam
How did Rome make changes from Ancient Greek theatre?
Elimination of chorus. Addition of musical accompaniment to much of the dialogue. Everyday domestic situations Emphasis on comic understandings
Jacobean and Caroline Eras
Elizabeth I died in 1603 James I, her nephew, ascended the throne and ruled until he died. Jacobean Theatre (1603-1625) Catholic Charles I, his son, succeeded him. Caroline Theatre (1625-1648) A time of conflict, strained government, and pessimism. Catholicism vs. Protestantism. Plays of this period are generally dark, contrived, and violent.
Inigo Jones
English painter and architect. Introduced Italian scenery and costumes to England. Innovations include: proscenium arch, systems for changing scenery, flying machinery, painted perspective stage sets.
What is the form we still follow today?
Episodic Form
The Académie Française
Established by Richelieu in 1635. Society responsible for matters pertaining to the French language. Deep love of the French language. Adhered to neoclassical rules.
The City Dionysia
Festival honoring the god Dionysus. Tied to religion because it is worshipping a god. Plays were judged and awarded prizes. All social classes attended. Business, politics, wars, everything came to a standstill. Bawdy irreverence. Such a big part of the population was a part of it that we don't know what would be comparable today.
How did Molière slip around Neoclassical Rules?
Got around the neoclassical rule of morality: reward & punishment. The wicked characters always get their comeuppance in the play. For most of the play though, he lets us enjoy the shenanigans.
Episodic form vs. Greek Climactic Drama (Tragedy)
Greek Climactic Drama: Action begins near climax, few characters, one main plot, short time period, one locale Episodic Form: Can have a lot of characters, can have multiple plots, action does not have to happen in a limited time period, actions can shift from place to place, can mix comic and serious elements.
Roman Theatre
Greek plays translated into latin and brought to Rome. Romans held as many as 175 festivals per year. Over 100 of these festivals were devoted to theatre.
Everyday human activities that have theatrical components
Imitation Role playing Storytelling Ceremonies and rituals
When are the first surviving plays from and what genre were they?
In the 5th Century B.C.E. They are tragedies
French Neoclassical Scenic Design
In the mid 1640s, Italian Giacomo Torelli came to France. He designed scenery and installed scene-changing equipment. As with Italian renaissance theater, we see proscenium arch spaces, painted perspective, wing and shutter scenery.
The Printing Press
Invented by Gutenberg in 1450. Made it easier and cheaper for wealthy people to acquire learning and knowledge.
Pierre Cornielle
Invited to write for Richelieu. Tried to conform to neoclassical rules.
Iambic Pentameter
It is a line of verse with five metrical feet, each consisting of one short (or unstressed) syllable followed by one long (or stressed) syllable. Looks like: __ / __ / __ / __ / __ /
Phaedra
Jean Racine's most famous play. Based on a play by Euripides. Phaedra falls in love with her stepson. Phaedra, her husband, and the stepson all meet tragic ends. A flop at its premiere, probably due to Racine's enemies plotting against it. Went on to become the most famous French tragedy of all time.
Molière
Joined Bejarte family of actors, formed a theatre company. Married Amanda Bejart, 20 years younger. Company went broke within 2 years. Molière was imprisoned for debt. Company left Paris for a decade. Finally, a patron of Molière's got him an audience with the King. Louis XIV loved his work and invited the group to perform in his court.
Ben Jonson vs. Inigo Jones
Jonson felt that Jones' scenery was upstaging the play.
Catherine de Medici
Married into the French royal family. Considerable influence on French culture. Brought lots of fine things to France from Italy.
Why were Shakespeare and his fellow Elizabethans a Neoclassicist's nightmare?
Mixed together comedy and tragedy. The locale could be all over the place. The action rarely took place within 24 hours. Included ghosts and witches and the supernatural.
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
Most famous Elizabethan theatre. Built in 1559 by the Lord Chamberlain's Men. Shakespeare owned 12.5% of the Globe. Burned down in 1613 when a canon set the thatched roof on fire (was rebuilt).
Roman Comedy
Most popular form of Roman theatre They borrowed Greek ideas, particularly loved New Comedy. There were original Roman comedies, but the only ones to survive were based on Greek plays.
Religious Vernacular Drama
Moved from inside to outside of the church. Plays began to be presented in the vernacular. Subject material is still about religious topics.
Liturgical Drama
Musical and dramatic interpolations added to religious services grew into liturgical dramas. These plays were written in Latin and dramatized biblical events. Were staged in churches by the clergy. Hrosvitha was one of the first to write liturgical drama.
Noah
Mystery play. Written in 1501 Was a religious story, but had popular elements that had nothing to do with religion. Popular elements in "Noah" will become the norm. 1. Spectacle, special effects. (in this case, rain) 2. Depiction of biblical characters as ordinary, approachable people. 3. Non-religious elements creeping into drama Technically still liturgical drama.
Cycle Plays
Mystery plays back-to-back are called cycle plays. Cycle plays could last for 40 days and have over 300 performers. Most were shorter though, only lasting 4 days. Role of the director is beginning to emerge (known as a Pageant Master)
Myths in Theatre
Myths were the subject of matter in most plays. Before being performed at festivals, myths had to be transformed into dramatic form.
What was the Ancient Greek architecture called?
Neoclassical
Minor Neoclassical Ideals
No chorus No onstage violence No soliloquies No deus ex machina Must teach a moral lesson. Characters' actions must be morally acceptable
Greek Masks
No originals left Were built with a natural megaphone. Tragic mask, sad expression. Comic Mask, always smiling All about body movement because facial expression cannot change.
Scenery in Private Indoor Theatres
No painted-perspective scenery. Stage did not represent a specific locale Limited scenic elements - a throne would represent the interior of a palace Spoken decor.
Private Indoor Theatres
Not exactly private: open to the public but mostly expensive tickets. Seated 600-750. Lit by candles. Galleries and boxes face the stage on 3 sides. The pit had backless benches. Famous example is The Rose Theatre.
Public/Outdoor Theatres
Not really outdoors, but open to the elements. Theaters were polygons, or in one instance square. There was a roof around the circumference Forerunners for these theaters were probably bear-baiting rings.
The Wing and Groove System
Painted 'flat wings' placed in grooves. Grooves allowed 'wings' to slide offstage quickly. New series of wings revealed to audience. Allowed for quick scene changes
Comedia Dell'arte Stock Characters
Pantalone: meddling, miserly lecherous old man. Il Dottore: academic who knows everything but understands nothing. Il Capitano: bragging, but cowardly soldier. Arlecchino (Harlequin): comic, clever servant. Innamorati: young lovers.
Catharsis
Per Aristotle, tragedy produces emotions of pity and terror. Catharsis is the purging of these emotions.
Sections of audience seating
Pit: cheapest because you're standing in a crowded area. Boxes: most expensive. Galleries For the next 300 years (and up to today), this was the standard for seating in the Western world.
Private/Indoor Theatres
Platform stage about 4' high. "Apron stage" Neutral space
Seneca
Politician and noted orator. Roman tragedy writer. Jealous Caligula had him exiled. He returned, and became tutor to Nero. He became one of Nero's advisors, but he fell into disfavor. Nero ordered him to commit suicide. 9 extant tragedies, 5 are adaptations of Greek plays. Used the concept of the Greek chorus. Allowed violence onstage. Considered an inferior playwright during his time, but had a strong impact on later dramatists.
1642-1648: English Civil War
Puritans (aka Roundheads) vs. Royalists (aka Cavaliers). Charles I captured by Puritans and their leader Oliver Cromwell in 1648. Charles I was executed in 1649. Young Charles II (his son) got the heck out of Dodge.
Neoclassical Issues with El Cid
Put way too much action into 24 hours Mixed genres Inappropriate decorum Had a happy ending.
French Neoclassical Period
Religious civil war between Catholics and Protestants in 1500s. Political instability in France. Led to late arrival of the Renaissance.
Religious vs. Secular Theatre
Religious: Importance of the bible, rewards of virtue, punishment of vice. Secular: Human imperfections and scandals ("foibles"), adultery, hypocrisy, and misbehavior, satirical or comical take on everyday behavior
Lazzi
Repeated bits of physical comic business. Ex: Il Capitano and his sword.More recent examples are the Marx brothers and the 3 stooges. Arlecchino has a slapstick. Slapstick comedy is physical comedy that often has to do with pain.
Fallout from El Cid
Richelieu turned to the Académie Française for a ruling on the play, and they came down against it. Cornielle was hurt and stopped writing for years. He later joined the Académie Française.
Cardinal Richelieu
Richelieu wielded power during reign of boy Louis XIII, who became King at the age of 9. Making rules and laws for the King. His successor, Cardinal Mazarin wielded power during the reign of Louis XIV, who became King at 5. Both cardinals were Italians who were ruling France.
The Audience in Public Theatres
Right next to the stage. Not always quiet and respectful. Ale, fruit, nuts were sold during the play.
The Neoclassicists' Influence
Rigid, literal rules for drama. Other countries followed Italy's lead. These "rules" have been followed, broken, and debated for centuries.
Plautus
Roman comedy writer. 20 extant plays, we believe he wrote about 45. Plays based on lost Greek New Comedies. May have resembled modern musical comedies. The most popular of all Roman comic writers. Plautus's plays have been adapted by many playwrights over time.
Byzantium
Rome fell in 476 c.e., but only the Western Roman empire collapsed. The eastern empire of Byzantium survived, centered in Constantinople. Preserved manuscripts of Greek playwrights and philosophers (Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Aristotle) When Byzantium fell in 1453, these manuscripts were transferred to the West.
The decline of Greek Theatre and the rise of Roman Theatre
Rome was founded around 750 B.C.E. Greece declined in power, while Rome began to emerge. In the 3rd century Rome controlled the Italian peninsula and most of Greece.
Ballet at the Court of Louis XIV
Royal entertainment similar to the masques in England. Ballets were so simple that the King himself took part in many of them. One ballet featured the four elements and various gods. In the end, the sun appears. The King played the Sun.
Why is theatre ephemeral?
Short lived, fleeting. Of the moment. Subject to speedy disappearance. Unique, it cannot be exactly repeated (unlike a movie, video, etc.)
Sophocles
Superb plot construction and poetry. Exploration of character. He was an actor as well as a playwright. Oedipus Rex
Morality Plays
Teach a moral lesson. Allegorical characters such as 'death', 'beauty', 'good deeds', etc. Don't necessarily have to be about a religious story. Everyman (late 15th century) is the most famous example of a medieval morality play.
Hrosvitha
The first female playwright in the West. A nun. Well educated because of her affiliation with the church. Big fan of Terence. His plays were considered controversial and inappropriate in the Church. Took Terence's plays, but took out all of the scandalous topics (sex, drinking, mayhem, etc.) Wrote in Latin. Wrote liturgical drama.
Stationary Staging
The more predominant form. A huge platform stage, erected in a courtyard or town square. Small scenic 'mansions' stood side-by-side. Actors would move from set-to-set for each scene.
Menander
The only playwright of New Comedy whose work is extant. For most of history, we only knew about him from the Romans. In 1905, a papyrus scroll was found containing 4 of his plays.
Perspective
The painting and arrangement of scenery to achieve an illusion of depth. Used painted flat wings.
Antagonist
The person (or thing) who opposes the Protagonist.
The Shift of The Renaissance
The re-awakening of arts and culture after the 'sleep' of the medieval period. A time of great exploration and discovery. Focus shifts to humanism.
Secularism in the English Renaissance
The renaissance in England also began with a move towards secularism and humanism. In Italy, the rise of the merchant class helped move power away from the Catholic church. In England, however, a new church was formed with the monarch at the head. Henry VIII establishes the Church of England (wanted to divorce his wife, and the Catholic church wouldn't allow this)
The Commonwealth
The time after the execution of Charles I and the reinstatement of his son Charles II is called the Commonwealth. Also known as the interregnum. A very repressive time. 1642: Theatre was banned, the playhouses were closed and then dismantled.
Protagonist
The tragic hero; usually a royal figure in Classical Greek Tragedy.
Ampitheatres
Theatron Orchestra Parados Skene Proskene Seating for 10,000-16,000 Famous example is the Great Ephesus
Medieval Popular Entertainments
Touring Minstrels/Strolling Players, Singers, Acrobats, Comedians, Dancers, Mock Battlers, Mimes, Storytellers. All got paid through tips
Comedia Dell'arte Costumes & Masks
Traditional costumes for each character. Only 2 characters without masks (innamorati)
Acting (Comedia Dell'arte)
Travelling company of professional actors. Usually made up of 7 men and 3 women and would travel throughout Europe. Scenarios- short plotlines conceived by the company, not written down.
Molière's Not-So-Happy Ending
Unhappy marriage (his wife, Armande, was a flirt and cheated on him) Fell ill while performing the title role in La Malade Imaginaire (in English, the Hypochondriac). Died a few hours later.
The Unities
Unity of Time: action should not exceed 24 hours. Unity of Place: restricted action of play to one locale. Unity of Action: one central story, small group of characters; no subplots
English School Drama
University Wits are playwrights who wrote full-length scripts for schools and boys' companies.
Christopher Marlowe
University wit. Set the standard for dramatic structure. 'Set the stage' for Shakespeare. Had trouble with the law, spent time in prison, and may have been a secret agent Stabbed to death at a bar at 29 years old.
Thomas Kyd
University wit. Wrote The Spanish Tragedy: Good example of early English rejection of neoclassical ideals Locale moves from Portugal to Spain, to a palace, to a garden, etc. Included ghosts and other supernatural elements.
The Greek Chorus
Was made up of 50 men, later reduced to 12-15. Provided background information. Commented on action. Interacted with other characters. Described offstage action. Acted as an "ideal spectator"
The Church in Medieval Europe
Was the center of all artistic and education activities in Europe.
Dramatic Irony
When the audience knows something that a character does not.
Comedia Companies
Worked together for long periods of time. Often composed of families. Improvisation became second nature.
Beaumont and Fletcher
Writing collaborators of Jacobean/Caroline era. Exceptions to the dark writing style of the day (serious plays with happy endings). Wrote in the style of what we now call drama (an ornate and witty style)
The Tragical History of Dr. Faustus
Written by Christopher Marlowe in 1588. Makes a pact with the devil: he will give his soul if the devil grants him wishes. Concept flashes back to the morality plays of the Middle Ages. Plot is an allegory of good vs. evil. In the play, a good angel and a bad angel vie for control of Faustus. One of Faustus' wishes: Helen of Troy from legend.
Duchess of Malfi
Written by John Webster in 1613-1614. One of the best examples of sensational, violent Jacobean form of theatre. The most famous tragedy of its time.
Tartuffe
Written by Molière. Tartuffe pretends to be pious but is actually after sex and money. The King loved it BUT it was first performed in Paris when he was out of town. The Clergy attacked it because they thought it was an attack on religion It was only performed once Reopened 2 years later for a popular run.
The Second Shepherd's Play
Written in 1375. Mystery play. In the vernacular (English, not Latin). Mixture of comic and serious elements. There is plot and subplot! The locale shifts from place to place.
Shakespeare's Plays
Wrote approximately 37 plays. Also wrote poetry: 154 sonnets and 2 narrative poems. There has been some argument that Shakespeare didn't write the plays attributed to him (because he wasn't a noble, left school at 13, didn't travel much).
Jean Racine
Wrote tragedies. Made the neoclassical rules work for him. Used Unity of Time to build drama: By compressing dramatic action into 24 hours (or less), he increases pressure on the main character. Tension builds until character falls apart.
Dithyramb
a long hymn, sung and danced by a group of fifty men
Methexis
a.k.a. group sharing; audience participates, creates and improvises the action of the ritual.
Efficacious
successful in producing a desired or intended result; effective.