Intro to Realism - Theatre Arts for Teens!

Summary

This educational script transports us to 18th century Norway to explore the origins of realism in theater, sparked by Henrik Ibsen's groundbreaking play 'A Doll's House.' It outlines realism's core elements: naturalistic acting, everyday dialogue, realistic settings, the absence of breaking the fourth wall, and the use of subtext. The script also highlights key playwrights like Ibsen, Anton Chekhov, and August Strindberg, emphasizing their influence on American theater, particularly in the works of Tennessee Williams and Arthur Miller.

Takeaways

• 🌊 The script begins with a reference to the ocean and seagulls, setting a maritime theme for the lesson on theater history.
• 🎭 The lesson revisits the United Kingdom's theater history, highlighting the influence of William Shakespeare before shifting focus to Norway and the rise of realism.
• ❄️ It provides a historical context for the emergence of realism in theater, explaining the shift from the comedic and farcical style of Molière to the more serious and authentic storytelling of Henrik Ibsen.
• 🎭 Realism in theater is characterized by naturalistic acting, everyday conversation, realistic settings, no breaking of the fourth wall, and the use of subtext.
• 👤 Henrik Ibsen is credited as the father of realism, with his play 'A Doll's House' being a pivotal work that challenged societal norms and sparked controversy.
• 🌟 Other notable playwrights of realism include Anton Chekhov, known for his portrayal of deep human emotions within mundane scenarios, and August Strindberg, who focused on psychological turmoil.
• 🇷🇺 Chekhov, a Russian playwright, and Strindberg, a Swedish playwright, are highlighted as significant figures who, along with Ibsen, shaped the realism movement.
• 🎨 Strindberg is noted for his feud with Ibsen, which fueled their creative rivalry and contributed to the development of their respective styles within realism.
• 🗽 Realism had a profound impact on American theater, influencing playwrights like Tennessee Williams and Arthur Miller, and helping to define an American identity in theater.
• 📚 The lesson concludes with a summary of the key points and a teaser for the next lesson on avant-garde theatre, encouraging students to continue their exploration of theater history.

Q & A

What is the significance of the ocean breeze and the seagull in the opening of the script?

The ocean breeze and the seagull symbolize a fresh start and a new journey into the world of theatre, setting the tone for the exploration of realism in the context of the lesson.

Why did the group leave the United Kingdom and head to Norway?

The group left the United Kingdom to head to Norway to learn about realism, a movement that originated there, particularly focusing on the works of Henrik Ibsen.

What was the impact of Molière on European theatre?

Molière, known as the king of comedy and farce, captivated European theatre and influenced the entirety of Western Europe, leading to a golden age of theatre in France.

How did melodrama emerge in the 18th century, and what are its characteristics?

Melodrama emerged as a consequence of the French Golden Age of theatre and is characterized by bombastic and excessively sentimental dialogue, appealing to the emotions of the characters rather than the actions of the story.

Why was Henrik Ibsen critical of melodrama, and what did he advocate for in theatre?

Henrik Ibsen was critical of melodrama because he saw it as fake and a poor representation of real human struggles. He advocated for theatre that portrayed human behavior as it truly was, with all its subtleties and nuances.

What was the controversy surrounding Ibsen's play 'A Doll's House'?

The controversy surrounding 'A Doll's House' was due to the protagonist Nora's decision to leave her husband and children behind for self-fulfillment, which was unheard of and caused a storm of controversy in the 19th century.

List the five main elements that characterize realism in theatre.

The five main elements of realism are naturalistic acting, everyday conversation and style of speaking, real settings, no break of the fourth wall, and subtext.

How does naturalistic acting in realism differ from the performances in melodrama?

Naturalistic acting in realism is subtle and intended to represent real human behavior, in contrast to the exaggerated and over-the-top performances in melodrama.

What is the significance of subtext in realism, and how does it reflect real-life conversations?

Subtext in realism reflects the true intentions behind the actors' lines, often saying one thing but meaning another, which mirrors the use of irony or sarcasm in real-life conversations where people cover up their true feelings.

Who are some of the prominent playwrights of realism besides Henrik Ibsen?

Prominent playwrights of realism besides Henrik Ibsen include Anton Chekhov, known for plays like 'Uncle Vanya' and 'The Cherry Orchard', and August Strindberg, famous for 'Miss Julie'.

How did the rivalry between Ibsen and Strindberg influence their works?

The rivalry between Ibsen and Strindberg motivated them to write better works and try to outdo each other, ultimately benefiting the readers with their enhanced literary output.

What was the influence of realism on American contemporary theatre?

Realism was pivotal in the development of American theatre, influencing playwrights like Tennessee Williams and Arthur Miller, and helping to give American theatre its own identity and place on the global stage.