Theatre(different phases)
Theatre has one through many different phases in it’s lifespan.
Greek Theatre: It all started in Greece from 4th-6th century BC with tragedies and comedies. Very little of the tragedies still survive today, out of 80 only 7 are still alive. The beginning of comedy started and a 3 day festival was held, very little of those still survive.
Liturgical Drama: In the upheaval in Europe, after the Roman Empire collapsed, theatre had no part in life. With the 1st millennium, Christian churches introduced dramatic effects to the resurrection of Christ. Mary Magdalene and two other women visit the tomb of Jesus and find it empty, causing 3 monks to come and check it out with the 3 women. The angel in the story is sitting beside the high alter asking who they seek. Chanting “Jesus of Nazareth” the angel tells them he has risen, and to tell the people. This developed a tradition of Christian Drama.
Mystery Plays: In France it was decided to move plays outside of churches, and perform it in the language of the people. Very popular characters in medieval imagination were created. Mostly it was about religion, the flaming mouth of Hell is set to become a symbol in mysteries. Gradually plays become longer and more elaborate, they were performed on platformed outside with mini-stages set up on the side of them for different scenes.
Processional Plays: In part of Europe, the actors would perform on carts with it’s on scenery on it. It would move through the town and it was a way of bringing drama to people all around. Mystery plays got out of fashion in the 16th century. In Protestant Europe their broad humor and vulgarness offended people. They were banned in Paris in 1548, and many other places to follow after that.
Roman Revivals & Intermezzi: In spirit of the Renaissance Roman plays are performed on festive occasions. Intermezzi’s are lavish musicals pieces between acts. The first one was performed to celebrate a wedding at the Medici court in Florence in 1589.
Commedia dell’arte: Italy in the 16th century, launches Europe’s most vigorous tradition of popular theatre. Commedia dell’arte (comedy of the trade)implies professional actors. this is normally street theatre but it could be inside, the actors are traveling performers and would put on mobile slapstick shows. With the performances there are different characters, there are the servants Zanni, Arlecchino/Harequin, Brighella, and Columbia who are the comedians of the performance. We then move on to the master Pantalone, he is the top of the pecking order. Next is The Lovers, all they really do is just flirt with each other. And lastly II Capitano, who is the soldier. These are just some of the major ones there are some more but they aren’t as popular.
-Shakespeare (1564–1616)
- Tragedies & Dark Comedies:
-Romeo and Juliet, King Lear, Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello, Julius Caesar, Anthony and Cleopatra, etc.
- The Last Plays:
-The Winter’s Tale, The Tempest, Henry VIII, The Two Noble Kinsmen
