Wrapping Up – French Theatre

FRENCH THEATRE Most theatre in France in the first quarter of the 17th century probably consisted of popular farces. French theatre upheld the Italian neoclassical ideals.

FRENCH THEATRE Moliere

Moliere FRENCH THEATRE Comic playwright, whose work often raised controversy because he insisted on depicting vices and follies truthfully.

Moliere FRENCH THEATRE Plays earned the respect and patronage of enlightened theatregoers and he remains one of the most popular dramatists of all time.

Moliere FRENCH THEATRE Wrote in the neoclassical form; the dialogue in many of his plays consists of rhyming couplets. Influenced by Commedia dell’arte; in particular, the characters in his plays resemble the stock types in commeida.

Moliere FRENCH THEATRE Plays frequently resolved by a deus ex machine. Combined farcical humor with witty dialogue and a keen eye for human foibles Plays frequently resolved by a deus ex machine.

FRENCH THEATRE Tartuffe By Moliere

Wrapping Up – English Restoration

English Restoration Great plays of the Restoration were its comedies. Comedies of “humour” followed in the tradition of Ben Johnson, in which characters have one trait overshadowing all others. There were also farces; comedies of manners; comedies of intrigue which feature daring exploits of romance and adventure and had complicated plots.

English Restoration Comedy of Manners Influenced by Moliere Focuses on the fashions, foibles of the upper class – gossip, adultery, sexual escapades. Comedies poke fun at the social conventions and norms of the time and satirize the preoccupation of the upper class with reputation” most of the upper-class characters in the plays are disreputable. Language – witty exchanges, repartee, and sexually suggestive references.

English Restoration Eleanor “Nell” Gwynn

English Restoration Often credited as the first female actor Eleanor “Nell” Gwynn Often credited as the first female actor

English Restoration Eleanor “Nell” Gwynn Started her theatrical career selling oranges at the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane Attracted the attention of Charles Hart, the leading actor, and she became his mistress and protégé

English Restoration Eleanor “Nell” Gwynn Made her stage debut in December 1664 Specialties were “breeches roles” Drew the attention of King Charles II and became his mistress.

Wrapping Up – Emergence of Realism

Realism Realists sought to convince their audience that stage action represented to everyday life. Unlike drama that featured larger than life characters, was written in verse, and had supernatural figures, realistic drama mirrored life. Action onstage resembled what people could observe around them; characters behaved, spoke, and dressed like ordinary people.

Realism Henrick Ibsen Founder of Realism

Realism Henrick Ibsen His middle plays are the realistic social dramas They explore the interaction of people with society, dealing with problems as unhappy marriages, the sexual double standard, infidelity, and the position of woman. All plays share the common theme of the individual amidst conflicting social pressures

Realism A Doll’s House By Henrick Ibsen

Realism Hedda Gabler By Henrick Ibsen

Realism Moscow Art Theatre

Realism Moscow Art Theatre Most influential of the late 19th century theatres dedicated to realism. Founded in 1898 by Konstantin Stanislavski and Vladimir Nemirovich-Danchenko. Established itself with its production of the Seagull

Realism Moscow Art Theatre Anton Chekhov

Anton Chekhov Plays are significant not only as realism but also as perfect examples of modern tragicomedy. (tragic and comic elements are blended) Comedy does not provided contrast but rather increases our awareness of the tragic circumstances. His tragicomic characters are unable to fulfill their deepest desires. Ability to make us see that underneath comedy there is often tragedy.

The Three Sisters By Anton Chekhov

The Cherry Orchard By Anton Chekhov

Uncle Vayna By Anton Chekhov

the Seagull By Anton Chekhov

Konstantin Stanislavski Realism Moscow Art Theatre Konstantin Stanislavski

Konstantin Stanislavski Moscow Art Theatre Konstantin Stanislavski Created many of the leading roles in Chekhov’s plays. According to Stanislavski, an actor must do a great deal of script analysis. The performer must be aware of the character’s background, environment, and relationships, as well as any additional information the dramatists provides

Konstantin Stanislavski “Magic If” – What Would I do IF I were that characters in that situation Super Objective/Spine - a characters overall goal. For each scene the performer must be able to identify the characters specific objective. Emotional recall or affective memory: performer is called on to remember an event in his or her own life that parallels the emotional situation of the play Stanislavski cautioned against excessive use of emotional recall.