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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?
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?
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?
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?
Which of the following best describes the impact of Charles Darwin's theories on Realism and Naturalism in theatre?
What was a defining characteristic of Romanticism in theatre during the late 18th and early 19th centuries?
What was a defining characteristic of Romanticism in theatre during the late 18th and early 19th centuries?
What is a defining characteristic of Neoclassicism in theatre?
What is a defining characteristic of Neoclassicism in theatre?
Which element was a key component of melodramas in the 19th century?
Which element was a key component of melodramas in the 19th century?
In what way did Henrik Ibsen's plays challenge the theatrical norms of his time?
In what way did Henrik Ibsen's plays challenge the theatrical norms of his time?
What is a notable characteristic of Anton Chekhov's plays?
What is a notable characteristic of Anton Chekhov's plays?
Which 19th-century Shakespearean actor was known for their "subdued, sensitive, & moody" acting style, particularly in the role of Hamlet?
Which 19th-century Shakespearean actor was known for their "subdued, sensitive, & moody" acting style, particularly in the role of Hamlet?
Flashcards
Ira Aldridge
Ira Aldridge
First African American actor with international acclaim; studied at African Grove Theatre.
Edwin Booth
Edwin Booth
Famous for his portrayal of Hamlet; known for a subdued acting style.
Sarah Bernhardt
Sarah Bernhardt
Renowned French actor known for her emotional performances and success in America.
Neoclassicism
Neoclassicism
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Melodrama
Melodrama
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Realism
Realism
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Henrik Ibsen
Henrik Ibsen
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Naturalism
Naturalism
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August Strindberg
August Strindberg
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Grand Operas
Grand Operas
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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.