Realism in Theatre

Realism

Definition

• Artistic attempt to recreate life accurately and honestly.
• Objective portrayal of life.

Background

• Emerged as Romanticism faded due to shifting socio-economic conditions from the Industrial Revolution.

Influencers

• Positivism (Auguste Comte): Knowledge should improve society; events have natural cause and effect.
• Charles Darwin: Survival of the fittest; humans are products of environment and genetics.

Realism in Theatre

• Portrays truthful images using the five senses.
• Realistic sets and props; hard-hitting themes; relatable characters.
• Specific agenda.

Staging

• Accurate sets and costumes.
• Proscenium arch stage; 3-D scenery.
• Acting within a box set; electric light.

Breaking New Ground

• Difficult themes never before seen on stage.
• Critics called theatre immoral.
• Supporters believed truth is the highest form of morality.

Characters

• Rounded characters with development and background.
• Stanislavski.
• Colloquial language

Structure

• Introduction/exposition
• Rising action (complication)
• Climax
• Peripety/turning point
• Falling action
• Catastrophe
• Dénouement