Realism: Intellectual, Social Concerns, Style

Intellectual and Social Concerns of Realism

• Realism was developed in the 19th century as a reaction against melodrama and romanticism.
• It focuses on everyday life, social issues, and the human condition.
• Realism was inspired by scientific discoveries like Darwinism plus ideas from psychology, and sociology.
• The central concept examines how environment and heredity shape character.
• Common themes include class struggles, gender roles, morality, and human psychology.
• Pioneers of realism include Henrik Ibsen, Anton Chekhov, and August Strindberg.
• It was influenced by naturalism (Émile Zola), which aimed to depict life with scientific objectivity.

Style and Staging of Realism

• Naturalistic settings reflect real-world environments.
• Detailed set design has realistic props and furnishings
• Proscenium arch stages are used with a "fourth wall" to create an illusion of reality.
• Lighting is subdued to mimic natural or interior lighting.
• Acting is not exaggerated and performances aim to be lifelike and psychologically complex.

Structure of Realism

• Typically follows linear narrative structure with clear cause-and-effect relationships.
• A three-act structure is common, emphasizing exposition, conflict, and resolution.
• Events unfold naturally through character interaction rather than external forces.
• Subtext plays a crucial role, and characters' emotions are often implied.

Space and Staging of Realism

• Indoor settings reflect domestic and societal issues.
• Scenery and objects are realistic and functional within the play’s context.
• Stanislavski's ‘Magic If’ and Emotional Memory techniques aided actors in creating authentic performances.

Characterisation of Realism

• Characters are complex, psychologically driven, and multidimensional.
• Characters exhibit flaws and contradictions, and there are no absolute villains or heroes.
• Dialogue reflects natural speech patterns and unfinished thoughts.
• The focus is on internal conflicts and motivations.

Costumes and Manner of Realism

• Costumes reflect the social status, profession, and personality of characters.
• Clothing is authentic and period-accurate.
• Subtle mannerisms and body language are used.

Language of Realism

• Colloquial, everyday speech is used.
• Dialects and regional speech patterns reflect authenticity.
• Conversations include interruptions, unfinished sentences, and realistic pacing.

Conceptual Art in Alternative Theatre

• Conceptual art emphasizes ideas over aesthetics.
• Artworks and performances question traditional forms of theatre.
• It can include installation art, audience participation, or multi-media elements.

Dadaism in Alternative Theatre

• Dadaism originated during World War I as a response to the chaos and absurdity of war.
• Traditional logic, reason, and artistic conventions are rejected.
• It features nonsense, illogical sequences, random chance, and anti-art movements.
• Performances occurred in cabarets and avant-garde spaces.
• The style involves collage, sound poetry, and improvisation.

Surrealism in Alternative Theatre

• Surrealism was influenced by Freud’s theories on dreams and the unconscious mind.
• It explores themes of desire, fear, identity, and subconscious thoughts.
• Dreamlike, irrational narratives, unexpected juxtapositions, and symbolic imagery are featured.
• Key figures include Luis Buñuel, Antonin Artaud, and Jean Cocteau

Anti-realist Style and Staging in Alternative Theatre

• The focus on everyday life and linear storytelling is rejected.
• Characters can be symbolic, archetypal, or fragmented representations of ideas.
• Sets are often abstract or minimal.
• Lighting, sound, and movement are used expressively.
• Audience participation and breaking the fourth wall are common.

Minimalism in Alternative Theatre

• Theatre is stripped down to its essential elements, removing decoration.
• Staging involves bare sets, simple props, and unembellished costumes.
• Samuel Beckett’s ‘Waiting for Godot’ uses one tree as the entire set.
• Focuses on gesture, voice, and presence rather than spectacle.

Presentational vs. Representational Theatre

• Presentational Theatre acknowledges the audience’s presence through direct address, narration, and breaking the fourth wall.
• Representational Theatre aims for realism, where actors ignore the audience.
• Alternative theatre often blurs the line between these styles, creating interactive or self-aware performances.