20th Century Theatre "ISMS"

Twentieth-Century "ISMS"

• At the start of the 20th century, theatre was dominated by Realism until mid-century
• This occurred despite changes and the influence of anti-realist movements

Anti-Realism

• Anti-realism rejected traditional realism, using unconventional storytelling and symbolic imagery
• Plays used fragmented narratives, heightened emotions, and surreal elements
• It was intended to challenge audience perceptions, explore deeper truths, and provoke thought about reality and the human condition

Existentialism

• This is about facing life's questions head-on
• The philosophy believes one is free to create meaning and purpose, even in a random world, shaping destiny through choices
• Existentialism encourages embracing uniqueness, taking responsibility, and finding joy in self-discovery, with no rulebook
• Responsibility for choices is emphasized, focusing on finding meaning when life feels confusing
• Playwrights challenged conventional narratives, exploring freedom, choice, and the search for meaning

Expressionism

• Prioritizes emotion over realism to convey feelings and experiences
• Uses bold colors, distorted forms, and exaggerated brushstrokes to evoke powerful emotions
• Dramatists depict inner turmoil, societal angst, and psychological conflict through exaggerated emotions and symbolism
• Expressionism seeks to capture the essence of the human soul, delving into angst, alienation, and inner turmoil
• Drama emphasized human emotional and psychological aspects, using distorted forms, exaggerated gestures, and symbolic imagery

Surrealism

• Dives into a dream world where reality and imagination collide
• Explores the subconscious mind, creating strange and fantastical images to challenge perceptions
• Surrealists believe that dreams, instincts, and intuition reveal deeper truths
• They paint dreamlike landscapes with melting clocks, floating objects, and bizarre creatures, inviting viewers beyond logic and reason
• It's about tapping into desires and fears, embracing the irrational and unexpected, celebrating imagination and mystery

Symbolism

• It's like a secret language in stories, poems, or everyday objects
• Writers and artists use symbols to give deeper meanings
• Symbolism adds layers of understanding, sometimes obvious but usually subtle
• Simplicity was the keynote, with atmosphere and mood created by lighting, color, shapes, and lines

Futurism

• Represents a bold vision of tomorrow, embracing technology, speed, and modern life thrill
• Imagines sleek cities filled with skyscrapers, roaring cars, and flashing lights
• Futurists sought to break from the past to create a new world full of energy and excitement
• Celebrated progress, innovation, and the power of machines to shape the future

Constructivism

• Views the world as a puzzle waiting to be solved
• People learn by building their own understanding through actively constructing knowledge from experiences and interactions
• Believe learning involves exploring, asking questions, and making connections not just memorizing
• Constructivist dramatists emphasized social commentary, collective creativity, and innovative staging techniques

Dadaism

• Born from the chaos of World War I it is an artistic rebellion against reason and tradition
• Idea about poking fun at society's seriousness and embracing absurdity
• Dadaists create nonsensical artworks, performances, and poetry, challenging norms/values
• Believe in freedom of expression, rejecting logic/rationality in favor of spontaneity and chance
• Featured nonsensical language, absurd actions, and unconventional staging, reflecting its chaos and anti-establishment

Revolutionary Designers

• Adolf Appia revolutionized stagecraft in the late 19th/early 20th centuries
• Designs prioritized dynamic use of space, light, and movement to enhance performance's dramatic impact
• Rejected traditional painted backdrops: Advocated for three-dimensional sets for changing during the production
• Designs emphasized unity between stage elements and dramatic action, to immerse audiences

Edward Gordon Craig

• He revolutionized stage design/lighting, pioneering minimalism that emphasized unity and symbolism
• Rejected traditional set designs, favoring simple, abstract forms to convey mood/emotion
• Advocated for dynamic stage designs using various levels/steps to enhance dramatic impact
• Believed in creating depth and dimension, integrating lighting as a central element to sculpt space and evoke atmosphere
• Used screens to transform the stage space, create different environments, suggest changes in time/location, and emphasize emotional themes
• Experimented with lighting effects projected onto screens, using color, shadow, and texture to enhance mood and atmosphere