1. “A candid presentation of the natural world” Eric Bentley
Realism
“A candid presentation of the natural world” Eric Bentley

2. Image of truth verified by observing ordinary life
What is it?
FACTS
August Wilson - Fences
Image of truth verified by observing ordinary life
Realism is a principal style of writing and performance since 1860’s
Playwrights and artists: Arthur Millar, Neil Simon, Marsha Norman, Athol Fugard, David Mamet and August Wilson
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3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v= zrIsTzcq5O8 Late 19th century theatre
REALLY??
REALISM EXPOSED
POSITIVE?
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Late 19th century theatre
Occurred as a reaction to Melodrama and Romanticism
Tired of exaggeration- movement towards the opposite
Real-life people in real-life situations portrayed on stage.

4. Emphasis was placed on seeing reality in a scientific, factual manner.
What is it?
Realism
The Stage
19th Century had scientific and technological breakthroughs. Changing the world at a fast pace.
Emphasis was placed on seeing reality in a scientific, factual manner.
The Romantics- ideals based on emotional and spiritual
Realists- emphasized ideas and proof through scientific observation.

5. Psychology- study of human behaviour was gaining recognition.
MORE…
REALISM
MODERN REALISM
Psychology- study of human behaviour was gaining recognition.
People were starting to seek scientific answers to questions about what motivates our actions- or why we do the things we do?
Realism can be traced back to the 1850’s – study influence of environment on the person

6. Previously playwrights had dramatised myths or historical occasions.
Realism
Playwrights- observe people, plays focused on the characters and contemporary society.
Previously playwrights had dramatised myths or historical occasions.
Plays dealt with harsh realities of life, representing on stage the problems in the world around that time. (Poverty, homelessness, prostitution etc)
The issues shocked audiences who would have preferred to escape these realities and see ‘happily ever after’ melodramas.
Writers believed they could change the world for the better if they could draw attention to the injustices of life.

7. ARTIST HENRIK IBSEN (1828-1906) HENRIK
Norwegian playwright who represented realism in drama
Controversial- did not follow ‘happily ever after’
Instead highlighted that sometimes bad things happen to good people etc.
Common themes: divorce, unhappiness, diseases, the role of women, depression and social problems.
Characters were complex
Plays offered insight into the human mind and heart.
Famous plays: A Doll’s House, Hedda Gabbler and Ghosts
Style of acting changed drastically- realistic dialogue, all action on stage believable.

8. PLAYWRIGHTS: Henri Becque, August Strindber, Maxim Gorky
NATURALISM
‘A SLICE OF LIFE’
PLAYWRIGHTS: Henri Becque, August Strindber, Maxim Gorky
1970’s- caused due to realism bit going far enough.
Writer Emile Zola believed a play on stage should be exactly as off stage.
Slice of life
Acting became even more lifelike and story lines did not have to be fully developed- as audience was seeing real life episodes.
Europe was swept by pockets of innovative but small theatrical activity.

9. KONSTANTIN STANISLAVSKI
Acting that followed the intention of the playwright
Detail in scenic design
Realistic characterisation
A new rehearsal concept
Artistic director of the Moscow Art Theatre
Developed an acting system
The detailed system enabled actors to enter the world of the character they were playing on stage.
Emphasis was on a totally believable performance
Speech and body movement had to be as life like as possible- the way to understand the character was through research, observation and empathizing with the character.
Empathy with character- imagining what it must be life to be in the character’s shoes and life. (NOT STEROTYPED)
System – recognised that every individual is unique and worth understanding.

10. Voice life-like and authentic Accents had to sound realistic
ACTING STYLE
Voice life-like and authentic
Accents had to sound realistic
Speech- important as it emphasised character’s motivations, state of mind etc.
Silence used for impact
Movements and gestures came from what the character was saying or feeling.
Free use of body and space- whatever was needed to create a natural- believable performance.

11. STANISLAVSKI SYSTEM- Way of life/ dedication
Personalisation: Actors should become the character they were playing so the audience sees a real performance. By combining who they were and entering fully into the character, actors achieved this.