🎭History of Theatre I Unit 13 – Classical to Renaissance Theatre Legacy

Key Figures and Playwrights

• Aeschylus introduced the second actor and reduced the role of the chorus, allowing for more complex plots and character development (Oresteia)
• Sophocles further developed the use of three actors and introduced painted scenery, enhancing the visual spectacle of the performances (Oedipus Rex)
• Euripides challenged traditional mythological themes and explored more human-centered stories, often featuring strong female characters (Medea)
  • Known for his use of the deus ex machina plot device
• Aristophanes wrote comedies that satirized contemporary Athenian society and politics (The Birds, Lysistrata)
• Menander pioneered the New Comedy genre, focusing on everyday life and characters rather than mythological or political themes (Dyskolos)
• Plautus and Terence adapted Greek New Comedy for Roman audiences, influencing the development of comedy in Western theatre (Miles Gloriosus, The Brothers)
• Seneca wrote tragedies that influenced the development of Elizabethan and Jacobean drama, particularly in their use of violence and revenge themes (Thyestes)

Major Theatrical Works

• The Oresteia by Aeschylus, a trilogy of plays that explores the themes of justice, revenge, and the consequences of violence
• Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, a tragedy that deals with fate, free will, and the consequences of one's actions
  • Considered a masterpiece of dramatic irony and plot construction
• Medea by Euripides, a tragedy that portrays a strong female protagonist who seeks revenge against her unfaithful husband
• The Birds by Aristophanes, a comedy that satirizes Athenian politics and society through the story of two men who found a city in the clouds
• Dyskolos by Menander, a New Comedy that focuses on the everyday life and relationships of ordinary people
• Miles Gloriosus by Plautus, a Roman comedy that features stock characters and farcical situations, influencing the development of commedia dell'arte
• Thyestes by Seneca, a tragedy that explores the themes of revenge, power, and the consequences of unchecked ambition

Theatrical Conventions and Styles

• Greek theatre developed from religious rituals and festivals honoring Dionysus, the god of wine and fertility
• Plays were performed in outdoor amphitheaters with a circular orchestra for the chorus and a raised stage for the actors
• Actors wore masks to represent different characters and to amplify their voices in the large performance spaces
  • Masks also allowed male actors to portray female characters
• The chorus played a crucial role in Greek theatre, providing commentary, background information, and moral guidance to the characters and audience
• Roman theatre adapted Greek plays and conventions, but also developed its own distinct styles and genres
  • Roman plays often featured more music, dance, and spectacle than their Greek counterparts
• Medieval theatre emerged from religious liturgical dramas and mystery plays, which were performed in churches and later in outdoor spaces
  • These plays often depicted biblical stories and moral allegories
• Renaissance theatre saw a revival of classical texts and a renewed interest in secular themes and humanist ideas
  • Commedia dell'arte, a form of improvisational comedy featuring stock characters and scenarios, emerged during this period

Performance Spaces and Staging

• Greek theatre was performed in large outdoor amphitheaters, such as the Theatre of Dionysus in Athens
  • These spaces could accommodate thousands of spectators and had excellent acoustics
• The stage in Greek theatre was a raised platform called the skene, which served as a backdrop and a space for actors to enter and exit
• Roman theatre adapted the Greek model but added a raised stage (pulpitum) and a more elaborate backdrop (scaenae frons)
  • Roman amphitheaters, such as the Colosseum, were also used for theatrical performances
• Medieval theatre was initially performed in churches, with the altar serving as the stage and the nave as the audience space
  • As plays became more elaborate, they moved to outdoor spaces such as town squares and marketplaces
• Renaissance theatre saw the development of purpose-built playhouses, such as the Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza and the Globe Theatre in London
  • These spaces featured a raised stage, tiered seating, and a central pit for standing spectators (groundlings)

Social and Cultural Context

• Greek theatre was an essential part of Athenian democracy and civic life, with performances attended by a wide cross-section of society
  • Plays often addressed contemporary political and social issues, such as war, justice, and the role of the gods
• Roman theatre served a more entertainment-oriented function, with plays often featuring bawdy humor, violence, and spectacle
  • Theatre also played a role in political propaganda and the celebration of military victories
• Medieval theatre was closely tied to the Catholic Church and served a didactic function, teaching religious stories and moral lessons to a largely illiterate population
• Renaissance theatre reflected the renewed interest in classical learning and humanist ideas, with plays exploring themes of individualism, love, and the human condition
  • Theatre also became more professionalized during this period, with the emergence of acting troupes and purpose-built playhouses

Technological Innovations

• The introduction of the skene in Greek theatre allowed for more complex staging and the use of mechanical devices (mechane) for special effects
• Roman theatre developed more elaborate stage machinery, including trap doors and revolving stages
• Medieval theatre saw the development of pageant wagons, which allowed for mobile performances and the creation of elaborate sets and special effects
• Renaissance theatre introduced perspective scenery and more sophisticated lighting techniques, such as the use of candles and oil lamps
  • The development of the proscenium arch stage also allowed for more realistic and immersive staging

Influence on Later Theatre

• Greek tragedy and comedy laid the foundation for the development of Western theatre, influencing playwrights and theorists for centuries
  • The works of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, and Aristophanes continue to be performed and adapted today
• Roman theatre helped to spread Greek dramatic forms throughout Europe and influenced the development of vernacular theatre in the Middle Ages
• Medieval religious drama paved the way for the emergence of secular theatre in the Renaissance and beyond
• Renaissance theatre, particularly the works of Shakespeare and his contemporaries, had a profound impact on the development of modern drama
  • The Renaissance also saw the emergence of professional theatre companies and the rise of the actor as a celebrated figure

Key Takeaways and Modern Relevance

• Classical Greek and Roman theatre established the basic elements of dramatic structure, characterization, and staging that continue to shape Western theatre today
• The themes and ideas explored in ancient plays, such as justice, power, and the human condition, remain relevant and resonant for modern audiences
• Medieval theatre played a crucial role in the democratization of drama, making it accessible to a wider audience and paving the way for the emergence of vernacular and secular theatre
• Renaissance theatre marked a turning point in the professionalization and commercialization of the art form, setting the stage for the development of modern theatre industries
• The works of key figures such as Shakespeare, Molière, and Calderón continue to be widely performed and adapted, testifying to their enduring appeal and relevance
• Modern theatre continues to draw on the conventions, styles, and themes established in the classical and Renaissance periods, while also innovating and pushing the boundaries of the art form
  • Contemporary playwrights and directors often adapt and reimagine classic works to address current social, political, and cultural issues