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