Shakespeare to 19th Century Theatre
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Questions and Answers

Which theatrical movement, popular in the early 19th century, was known for its spectacle, clear distinctions between good and evil, and musical underscoring?

  • Neoclassicism
  • Realism
  • Melodrama (correct)
  • Romanticism

How did the Industrial Revolution impact 19th-century theatre?

  • It facilitated the translation of Shakespearean plays into multiple languages.
  • It led to a decrease in theatre attendance due to the increase in factory work hours.
  • It primarily influenced the shift from Romanticism to Realism in theatrical productions.
  • It enabled the use of steam engines to bring theatre to more locations and centralized populations needing entertainment. (correct)

What is a key characteristic that differentiates Naturalism from Realism in theatre?

  • Naturalism incorporates elaborate sets and costumes, whereas Realism opts for minimalist designs.
  • Naturalism presents an extreme version of realism, often focusing on the working class, while Realism takes a scientific approach influenced by heredity and environment. (correct)
  • Naturalism avoids taboo subjects, while Realism embraces them to provoke social change.
  • Naturalism focuses on representing people as they are in ordinary life, while Realism emphasizes heightened emotional expression.

Which of the following best describes the impact of Charles Darwin's theories on Realism and Naturalism in theatre?

<p>Darwin's ideas about heredity and environment influenced playwrights to explore how these factors shape human behavior. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a defining characteristic of Romanticism in theatre during the late 18th and early 19th centuries?

<p>Glorification of variety and emotion over standardization and order. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of Neoclassicism in theatre?

<p>Adherence to the unities of time, action, and place. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which element was a key component of melodramas in the 19th century?

<p>Spectacular staging with elaborate scenes and special effects. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way did Henrik Ibsen's plays challenge the theatrical norms of his time?

<p>By presenting strong female characters and addressing controversial social issues. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable characteristic of Anton Chekhov's plays?

<p>Tragic themes interwoven with humor and complex character relationships. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which 19th-century Shakespearean actor was known for their "subdued, sensitive, & moody" acting style, particularly in the role of Hamlet?

<p>Edwin Booth (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Ira Aldridge

First African American actor with international acclaim; studied at African Grove Theatre.

Edwin Booth

Famous for his portrayal of Hamlet; known for a subdued acting style.

Sarah Bernhardt

Renowned French actor known for her emotional performances and success in America.

Neoclassicism

Theatre style influenced by Greek & Roman theatre emphasizing form over emotion.

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Melodrama

A popular 19th-century theatrical form with clear moral lessons and emotional spectacles.

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Realism

Theatre movement representing life as it is, focusing on ordinary people and situations.

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Henrik Ibsen

Father of Realism and modern drama, known for challenging societal norms in his works.

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Naturalism

An extension of realism emphasizing environment and heredity's impact on characters.

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August Strindberg

Sweden’s prominent dramatist, known for his play 'Miss Julie' and views on women.

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Grand Operas

19th-century dramas set entirely to music with large casts and elaborate productions.

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Study Notes

Shakespeare to 19th Century Theatre

  • Shakespeare's works gained renewed appreciation during the 19th century.
  • His plays were translated into other languages.
  • Actors became renowned for their Shakespearean roles.
  • Dedicated theatre companies emerged to produce Shakespearean plays.

Shakespearean Actors

  • Ira Aldridge: First African American actor with international acclaim.
  • Studied acting in New York.
  • Left America to pursue professional acting.
  • Known as one of the greatest Shakespearean actors of all time.
  • Edwin Booth: Known for his Hamlet role.
  • His acting style was described as subdued, sensitive, and moody.
  • Sarah Bernhardt (Note: Greatest French actor of the 19th century): Successfully toured America.
  • Described as having a touch of hysteria in performances.
  • Willingly exposed emotions to the audience.

Neoclassicism in Theatre

  • Theatre from the mid-1700s to the mid-1800s was influenced by Greek and Roman theatre.
  • Five key principles shaped the style: Verisimilitude (Truth), Decorum, No Mixing of Styles, Unities (Time, Action, Place), and 5 Acts.

Romanticism in Theatre

  • Refused the ordered, calm, balanced approach of previous styles.
  • Emphasized variety over standardization.
  • Prioritized emotion over logic.
  • Favored exaggerated, sensational, and over-emotional expressions.
  • This period spanned the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Grand Operas (19th Century)

  • Dramas set entirely to music.
  • Involved large casts and orchestras.
  • Featured elaborate sets and costumes.
  • Often based on historical events.

Technology & Industrial Revolution

  • Influenced theatre by bringing performances to more locations, due to factory work.
  • The steam engine facilitated this accessibility.
  • Factories centralized populations, creating a need for entertainment.

Melodrama

  • Popular during the early 19th century.
  • Often involved spectacle.
  • Featured clear distinctions between good and evil. - Used servants for comedic relief.
  • Followed the concept of Poetic Justice: Suspense maintained until the antagonist is punished.
  • Music underscored the mood and emotional response.

Spectacle

  • Involved elaborate staged events.
  • Included train tracks, water tanks, animals, and exotic locations.
  • Included important events onstage.

Realism & Naturalism

  • Marked the beginning of modern theatre.
  • Included the influences of Charles Darwin (Heredity and Environment).
  • Realism emphasized the representation of people as they are in life
  • Applied a scientific approach.
  • People are affected by heredity and the environment. - Naturalism was a form of extreme realism.
  • Focus on working-class characters with respect for "slice of life," heredity, and environment.

Scientific Outlook

  • Playwrights needed to understand human behaviour.
  • Playwrights were objective about society.
  • They wrote about contemporary social issues.
  • They often addressed taboo subjects.

Henrik Ibsen

  • Considered the Father of Modern Realism.
  • Famous for plays like A Doll's House, Ghosts, and Hedda Gabler.
  • His plays confronted social norms of the time.
  • He portrayed strong female characters.
  • His plays were often controversial for questioning societal values.

Anton Chekhov

  • A writer and doctor.
  • Known for his tragic themes and use of humor.
  • Notable plays include The Seagull, Cherry Orchard, Uncle Vanya, and Three Sisters.

August Strindberg

  • Sweden's greatest dramatist.
  • A writer, schoolmaster, and policy writer.
  • His views on women were considered outdated and narrow-minded.
  • Created the play Miss Julie.

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Description

Explore the resurgence of Shakespeare's plays in the 19th century. Learn about Ira Aldridge, Edwin Booth, and Sarah Bernhardt and their contributions to Shakespearean performance. Understand the influence of Neoclassicism on theatre during this era.

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