HISTORY OF DRAMA OTHER EUROPEAN/ASIAN DRAMA

ENGLISH DRAMA SINCE 1600 Following the Renaissance, England experienced a period of civil war that ended with the formation of a government controlled by the Puritans. All theatre was banned for eighteen years. When the monarchy was restored in 1660, the theatres reopened.

ENGLISH DRAMA SINCE 1600 The London stage of the 19 th Century established the prestige it still holds today. Gilbert and Sullivan wrote several clever and comic operas, including Pirates of Penzance and H.M.S. Pinafore.

ENGLISH DRAMA SINCE 1600 Oscar Wilde is known for his brilliant dialogue as well as the composition of The Importance of Being Earnest. Also known for writing the novel, The Picture of Dorian Grey.

ENGLISH DRAMA SINCE 1600 Bernard Shaw is said to be the greatest playwright next to Shakespeare. Dedicated to the exploration of ideas through drama and humor.

ENGLISH DRAMA SINCE 1600 Shaw’s plays stress two major concepts. (1) Life Force or belief that humanity will improve and strengthen in spite of itself. (2) Thinking Person’s Society or that out of every 1,000 people, 700 do not think, 299 are idealists, and 1 thinks. Most famous for writing Pygmalion.

ENGLISH DRAMA SINCE 1600 England is still the center for theatre lovers today. People flock to outstanding playhouses such as The National Theatre, The Barbican, and The West End. Summer theatre festivals, including The Royal Shakespeare Memorial Theatre at Stratford-upon-Avon flourish.

DRAMA ELSEWHERE IN EUROPE From the 1920s to 1950s, Bertolt Brecht of Germany developed epic theatre. His plays are often produced in the United States. His most famous show is called Mother Courage.

DRAMA ELSEWHERE IN EUROPE The field of drama continued to develop in France as well. Edmond Rostand wrote Cyrano de Bergerac. This is the story of a poet-swordsman with a huge nose. The story is world-famous and highly regarded for its abilities to incorporate both comedy and tragedy.

DRAMA ELSEWHERE IN EUROPE The musicals of Alain Boubil and Claude-Michel Schonberg have made a major impression on the theatre in recent years. Their shows include Les Miserables and Miss Saigon.

DRAMA ELSEWHERE IN EUROPE During the last half of the 19 th Century, Henrik Ibsen of Norway introduced realism in dialogue and characterization. He is sometimes called the father of modern drama and the father of realism. His chief theme was that society must protect and develop the individual rights of each person.

DRAMA ELSEWHERE IN EUROPE Ibsen’s realistic dramas account for his widespread popularity. His Works include A Doll’s House, Hedda Gabler, and An Enemy of the People.

DRAMA ELSEWHERE IN EUROPE Two Russians are especially influential in their contributions to the theatre. The first, Anton Chekhov, of the late 1890s, was perhaps the greatest Russian dramatist. His plays include The Sea Gull and The Cherry Orchard.

DRAMA ELSEWHERE IN EUROPE Konstantin Stanislavsky had a tremendous influence on acting. His writings are used as the basis for method acting. This is the acting theory centered on the inner understanding of a role plus the perfecting of the physical response. Actors truly become their parts. The Moscow Art Theatre, which Stanislavsky founded and directed, became one of the finest in the world

DRAMA IN ASIA Chinese Drama has traditionally been linked to the government and the country’s political situation. When the Japanese invaded China in 1937, playwrights wrote new plays and rewrote old ones to include patriotic propaganda. With the establishment of the People’s Republic in 1949, the government became involved in the arts by way of censorship.

DRAMA IN ASIA Theatres were only able to produce plays that the government approved and deemed appropriate. At the end of the Cultural Revolution in 1972, regulation of the theatre ended. Despite the history of governmental regulations, many traditional aspects have remained intact in the Chinese Drama.

DRAMA IN ASIA The stage settings are scarce and symbolic. A desk may symbolize a mountain if an actor stands on it, or may represent an altar if the actor kneels in front of it. Costumes are often stylized to represent characters and social classes. Symbolic colors and designs, representing different human qualities are used in makeup. Although many traditional aspects prevail, today both men and women are allowed to appear on stage.

DRAMA IN ASIA The Peking Opera is one of China’s greatest theatrical achievements. Developed in the early 19 th Century, it incorporates aspects of historical, spoken, song, and dance drama, as well as ballet.

DRAMA IN ASIA Three forms of drama are unique to Japan. 14 th Century actor Zeami Motokiyo fused and refined two earlier forms of drama to create the first, called No.

DRAMA IN ASIA No brought to life brave warriors, honorable young women, and revered gods and demons. Combines words, dance, and music. Only men are allowed to perform.

DRAMA IN ASIA In the late 1600s, puppets, chanting, and music were combined in Bunraku, or Japanese doll theatre. Use four-foot tall marionettes carved from wood that include moveable eyes, eyebrows, and mouths. Manipulated by three puppeteers dressed in black.

DRAMA IN ASIA Dialogue is assigned to specialized chanters who appear in each scene As in No, only men are allowed to perform.

DRAMA IN ASIA In the 17 th Century, Kabuki developed as a form of entertainment for the general population. Distinguishes itself through characteristic makeup and costuming, assorted musical styles, demanding vocal displays, and enchanting stage settings. Only men are allowed to perform.