Introduction to Theatre

Reactions to the Neoclassical Ideals strict rules concerning what defined true theatre and in reaction to changing ideals of the times Romanticism (Idealization of Innocence, Nature and Love) became a style represented not only in art but in performance.  The popularity of Commedia also influenced the ever changing face of theatre style and the child of these two influences is:

Melodrama

     Easily identifiable Hero and Villain

     Poetic Justice

     Spectacle

            American cultural identity is very much founded in Melodrama and it remains to this day (though a version with applied Realism) the most popular form of American entertainment.  Also very popular in France and Italy were the Intermezzi between acts in the Neoclassical form.  These breaks often involved singing.  Soon the singing alone became Opera.   The advent of Melodrama meets Opera (and with more affordable singers) results in the creation of Musicals.  Musicals are another foundation of American drama that has made it's singing and dancing way back across the ocean to Europe.  Both Toby Shows and the invention of Circuses influence the amount of spectacle and showmanship involved in Melodrama and Musicals, in order to compete for audiences in the new world.

     Henrik Ibsen, a Norwegian playwright, broke from the norm and began writing about domestic and socially unacceptable issues in everyday life.  His plays were both written and acted in a whole new way that more realistically represented life.  The idea of the fourth wall and of non-presentational performance were new and not totally welcome by the general public.  His work caused many riots and his social commentary on stage changed the face of theatre.  He is known as the Father of Realism and his best known work is "A Doll's House".

Link:  http://www.britannica.com/biography/Henrik-Ibsen

Vocabulary

Romanticism - a movement in the arts and literature that originated in the late 18th century, emphasizing 

                         inspiration, subjectivity, and the primacy of the individual.

Melodrama - a play with high spectacle, easily identifiable characters that are somewhat two dimensional and 

                        exaggerated that ends with poetic justice.

Realism - a type of script writing and play presentation that has the goal of representing life more truly while at 

                the same time shining light on domestic and social issues of the day.