Theatre History Exam 1 Study Guide

James Collier, society, and the end of the Restoration.

Wrote the View of the Immorality and Profanities of the English Stage.

Called for reform.

How are human beings viewed in sentimentalism?

Born good. They can stray from the path but can be redeemed.

Who were successful women playwright’s following the Restoration?

• Aphra Ben.

• Mary Pix.

• Cathrine Trotter.

• Susanna Centlivre.

What are the elements of sentimental comedy?

• Characters appear unnaturally good.

• Characters could be reformed in an instant if their hearts are moved.

Who wanted to write comedies that were ‘too exquisite for laughter?’ What sentimental elements did he employ in his quintessential sentimental work?

Richard Steele.

A protagonist who needs no reform but is heroic in resisting passion and using patience.

What is a pathetic or she-tragedy?

A domestic tragedy with a female protagonist.

What is a domestic tragedy?

A middle class tragedy.

The success of which play resulted in London apprentices being required to see it?

The London Merchant.

What are elements of Pantomime? Who achieved great fame with his Pantomimes?

Combined elements of Commedia and farce with topical satire. No dialogue unless the plot is serious.

Christopher Rich.

What was the name of the first ballad opera, and what were its elements?

‘The Beggar’s Opera.’

Satires of current political situations, including protesting the Italian takeover in London of opera.

What is a burlesque?

A term for satire at the time of ballad operas.

What was the Licensing Act of 1737?

It prohibited the acting for gain, hire, or reward for any play not previously licensed.

Basically censoring things that weren’t run by The Lord Chamberlain’s Men.

Which character from Commedia Dell Arte appears in many pantomimes?

The Harlequin.

What are elements of the “laughing comedy?” How did it come about?

Witty and vivid pictures of fashionable society and the scandals that go along with them.

Not enough laughs from sentimental comedy.

What was the primary theatre space at the beginning of the 18th century and how was it used?

The proscenium arch theatre. It was used to frame the stage like a painting.

What is meant by ‘unity of design?"‘ How did this first occur in England?

To have all elements (set, costumes, props, and lighting) be cohesive and have a theme.

It was through Loutherbourg.

What was Loutherbourge known for?

His scenic design and the Eidophusikon.

What is a ground row? How did it affect set design?

It was a long flat and low piece of scenery built to emulate a landscape, building, fence, wall etc.

It added depth and used it to depict different effects. Even miniature figures at the back of the stage on them.

What advancements did the Argand Lamp provide in theatre?

It was able to provide color differentiation and improved lighting practices.

What were the approach to costumes?

It viewed contemporary garments as universal.

Who was David Garrickk?

An important English actor, director and manager that focused on developing a style not based on universalism.

What are the elements of Enlightenment?

• Focus on reason.

• Tolerance of beliefs.

• Rise of science and how it applies to religion.

• Freedom of thought and expression.

What was Moliere’s contributed influence on comedy?

Moliere’s comedy of manners.

What was a ‘reversal’ historically, and how did Voltaire use it?

An event that occurs that is contrary to expectations, but is necessary.

What were the contributions of Diderot?

• Edited 28 volumes of dramatic theory.

• Called for more mirroring of real life.

• “Fourth Wall” acting.

What is a ‘drame bourgeois?’ Who wrote ‘The Marriage of Figaro’ and how did it blend comic styles?

Drame Bourgeois: A form that sets out to look at the plight of the middle class.

Beau Marchais.

Parts that were funny were mixed with parts that were serious.

What were ‘fair’ theatres?

Illegitimate and unauthorized companies who performed at fairs through France. Satirized Comedie Français and Comedie Italienne.

What were ‘boulevard’ theatres?

Fair troupes relocating to a fashionable recreation district in Paris. Cating to the working class.

What was the Royal Dramatic School?

A school for training actors, different from just learning from a company.

How did the approach to costumes change and who led the way?

More realistic and accurate costumes.

Mademoiselle Clairon and Adrienne Lecouvreur.

What were the main features of the theatres of the time?

• Tennis court converted theatres.

• No audience seating on the stage.

• Standing pits.

• Stage was deeper than the auditorium.

What is a mute spectacle?

A way of showing spectacle, going for naturalism.

What effect did Diderot and Voltaire have on the approach to scenery?

A focus on realism.