Summary of "Performance Movements and Styles - 1"

Performance Movements and Styles - 1

The video Performance Movements and Styles - 1 explores the evolution of theatre through various socio-political, cultural, and intellectual movements that have shaped performance styles and theatrical expression over time. It emphasizes that theatre is a dynamic, evolving art form deeply influenced by historical contexts, cultural exchanges, political changes, and technological advancements.

Key Concepts and Artistic Techniques Discussed

Performance Movement Definition:
- A relatively new term connecting theatre with broader societal, political, and cultural shifts.
- These movements influence theatre’s form, style, and thematic content over time.
- Understanding these requires historical distance to see their full impact.
Influences on Theatre:
- Socio-political epochs and intellectual movements shape theatre.
- Cross-cultural exchanges influence styles and collaborations.
- Theatre often serves as a platform for social and political commentary.
- Technological advancements improve stage management and production sophistication.

Major Theatrical Movements and Their Characteristics

1. Classicism (Greek Tradition)

Foundation of Western theatre with roots in Greek drama.
Use of masks and chorus for symbolism and dramatic effect.
Themes reflect sociocultural issues like royalty, revenge, and tragedy.
Heavy reliance on audience imagination due to minimal props.
Actor training focused on vocal projection and physicality for large spaces.
Language was poetic, rhetorical, and rich in dialogue.
Aim: immersive auditory and moralistic experience.

2. Commedia dell’Arte (Italy, 1560)

Scenario-based improvisation with stock archetypal characters (lovers, masters, servants).
Male actors played all roles, including female parts.
Influenced modern improvisational theatre.

3. Romanticism (Late 18th - Early 19th Century Europe)

Emphasis on individual imagination, emotion, and connection to nature.
Themes: innate goodness of nature, emotional expression over reason.
Visual spectacle and supernatural elements were common.
Sturm und Drang (Storm and Stress) in Germany: emotional tension, rebellion, idealism.
Important playwrights: Goethe, Friedrich Schiller, Victor Hugo.
Challenged neoclassical norms, sparked social critique.

4. Naturalism (Late 19th - Early 20th Century Europe)

Focus on depicting life realistically and scientifically.
Detailed, three-dimensional sets; everyday speech and prose preferred over poetry.
Secular worldview, no supernatural elements.
Actors aimed for complete identification with roles, portraying characters shaped by environment and heredity.
Influenced by Darwinian ideas.
Key playwright: Émile Zola; notable play: Miss Julie by August Strindberg.

5. Realism (Late 19th Century)

Evolved from naturalism, focusing on societal relevance.
True-to-life representation of characters and settings.
Explores existential and social dilemmas.
Characters often portrayed as powerless victims of societal forces.
Connection between audience and plot is emphasized.
Henrik Ibsen as a pioneer, with A Doll’s House as a landmark work highlighting social issues and individual emancipation.
The play’s famous ending (door slam) symbolizes radical social change.

General Observations on Theatre Evolution

Theatre continually advances through innovations responding to contemporary contexts. Different movements bring distinct techniques and thematic focuses. Actor training and stagecraft evolve alongside these movements. Theatre reflects and critiques societal changes, often pushing boundaries.

Summary of Steps, Materials, or Advice for Theatre Practice

Understand historical and cultural contexts to grasp performance movements.
Study actor training methods appropriate to each movement (e.g., vocal projection in Classicism, emotional intensity in Romanticism).
Use appropriate theatrical devices (e.g., masks and chorus in Classicism, improvisation in Commedia dell’Arte).
Adapt staging and production techniques to the movement’s style (e.g., detailed sets for Naturalism, minimal props for Classicism).
Recognize the role of theatre as a social and political platform.
Embrace technological advancements to enhance theatrical presentations.

Creators and Contributors Mentioned

William Shakespeare (Renaissance playwright)
Antonin Artaud (Theatre innovator)
August Strindberg (Naturalism, Miss Julie)
Émile Zola (Naturalism theorist)
Henrik Ibsen (A Doll’s House, Realism)
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (Sturm und Drang)
Friedrich Schiller (Sturm und Drang)
Victor Hugo (Romanticism)
Stephen Berg (likely a misinterpretation of Strindberg)
References to commedia dell’arte stock characters and traditions

This lecture sets the foundation for understanding how various performance movements and styles have influenced theatre historically and continue to shape modern theatrical practices.