Renaissance Theatre

Renaissance = “rebirth” of art and learning; began in Italy in the 1300s and spread throughout Europe (1300s – 1600s)

The Renaissance Roman Catholic Church has lost much of its power and influence Less emphasis on “religion,” more emphasis on man = humanism

The Renaissance Important for people to be educated and well-rounded (“renaissance man”) Renewed interest in Greek and Roman influence Invention of the printing press (Gutenberg) allows more people to read and gain access to publications (i.e. Aristotle’s The Poetics)

Some People of the Renaissance… Da Vinci Michelangelo Shakespeare Galileo Columbus

Theatre During the Renaissance

Italian Renaissance Theatre Theatres are indoors (for wealthy). The proscenium and proscenium arch develop. Moving scenery (chariot and pole; shutter and groove –like sliding doors)

Italian Renaissance Theatre A scenographer was someone who designed everything from scenery to costumes Actors were male and female

Italian Renaissance Theatre Court masques written for the wealthy and nobility; often performed in their homes music, poetry, dance extravagant scenery and costumes; special effects

Italian Renaissance Theatre Other types of public (but expensive plays) Comedy Tragedy (heroic) Intermezzi Based on mythology Extravagant costumes and scenery Chorus Evolved into opera

Italian Renaissance Theatre Commedia dell’arte The common person’s theatre Improvised comedy Very physical and often sexual Based on scenarios Used stock characters Slapstick comedy

Commedia dell’arte Not much is known about how it began Clearly inspired by two ancient Roman writers of comedy: Plautus and Terence.

Commedia dell’arte Usually 10-12 actors per troupe (male and female) Quick and witty Acrobatic, or at least able to do physical comedy

Commedia dell’arte Actors are given a scenario They improvise the dialogue

Commedia dell’arte Slapstick comedy Pratfall Double-take Spit-take Exaggerated action and violence https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qxaaJzlnF0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNkvLDF7JOY

Commedia dell’arte Another major element of Commedia is the use of stock characters. A stock character is a stereotype of a person recognized by audience immediately

What “types” of characters do you recognize here?

Commedia dell’arte In Commedia, stock characters are identified by their costumes and masks; they are “types” of people that we still see today

Commedia dell’arte Innamorati Young lovers Wealthy and attractive                                                                               Innamorati Young lovers Wealthy and attractive Do not wear masks

Commedia dell’arte The Masters Pantalone Greedy, sour old man Dottore Doctor who is clueless Likes to hear himself talk Capitano Usually Spanish Bragging soldier and coward Driven by sex A loner

Commedia dell’arte Zanni (the Servants/Workers) Arlecchino Rascal servant Also called Harlequin Carries slapstick; very physical Columbina Clever servant Sometimes Arlecchino’s mistress Flirtatious but very smart

Commedia dell’arte Brighella Cunning, looks out only for himself Usually a high-ranking servant or tavern owner (worked hard to get there) Pulcinello Cruel servant Often pretends to be stupid becomes “Punch” Scaramouche Buffoon; boastful clown

Commedia dell’arte https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_0TAXWt8hY

The English Renaissance Sometimes referred to as the Elizabethan Age or “the Golden Age” of England Queen Elizabeth I ruled from 1558 to 1603 (Henry VIII; Bloody Mary)

The English Renaissance For years, England was divided by religious unrest When Elizabeth I came to the throne in 1558, she had to deal with this Eventually government banned religious theatre Licensing Acts of 1559 – allowed for theatre under governmental control

Development of English Renaissance Theatre Actors had a bad reputation – vagabonds and thieves During Bubonic Plague, regulations restricted travel—had to have a license

Development of English Renaissance Theatre Entertainers also needed licenses English noblemen would buy licenses for their group of actors (acting troupe or company) – this protected them from harsh laws The nobleman was their patron, and they performed to please him

Development of English Renaissance Theatre Sometime acting companies/troupes would perform in courtyards of inns and taverns (inn-yards)

English Renaissance Theatre Private theatre For the wealthy and nobility Indoors, candlelight, expensive By invitation only Organized by the Master of Revels Resembled proscenium stages in Italy Often performed court masques

Development of English Renaissance Theatre Then there were 9 public theatres* The Rose -The Fortune The Globe -The Theatre The Swan -The Hope The Curtain -and 2 others… *The theaters were built outside London city limits; flag announced play *All built in a similar style

Development of English Renaissance Theatre The first permanent public theatre in England was built in 1576. It was called the Theatre. The design of it and other theatres was inspired by the Greek and Roman amphitheaters.

Famous Playwrights from the English Renaissance Christopher Marlowe Thomas Kyd Ben Jonson But probably the most well-known was, yep, William Shakespeare!

English Renaissance Theatre Types of plays popular during this time period: Comedies Tragedies History Plays

English Renaissance Theatre only men and boys were allowed onstage young boys whose voices had not changed played women’s roles it would have been considered indecent for a woman to appear on stage

English Renaissance Theatre no scenery—depended on language to set the scene elaborate costumes (actor’s responsibility; often hand-me-downs from the wealthy) open roofs—dependent on daylight and good weather!

English Renaissance Theatre Audience size = about 2,000-2,500 general admission = 1 Penny entitled a spectator to be a “groundling” (someone who could stand in the yard/pit) more expensive seats were in the roofed galleries

The Globe Theatre

The Globe Theatre built in 1599 on the banks of the Thames River in Southwark, London (built from pieces of The Theatre!) Shakespeare was part owner; many of his plays were performed here His acting company was the Lord Chamberlain’s Men (and then the King’s Men)

flag tiring house heavens hell trap door galleries pit

The Globe Theatre Burned to ground in 1613; rebuilt but then destroyed in 1644 A brand new Globe was built in 1997, close to the original location

The English Renaissance Especially during the rule of Elizabeth I, England was a great nation Elizabeth I helped to make theatre popular and appreciated in England Theatre was England’s greatest contribution to the Renaissance Theatre continued to evolve in England until Oliver Cromwell came along…BOO, OLIVER CROMWELL!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3VGa6Fp3zI