Summary of 20th Century Theatre

20th Century Theatre Overview

Innovation of the Director

  • Emergence of directors in the late 19th century.

  • Responsibilities include navigating acting style, guiding actors, and interpreting plays.

Notable Directors and Their Contributions

Elia Kazan

  • Renowned film director and author.

  • Known for stage proficiency.

Tyrone Guthrie

  • First artistic director of the Stratford Theatre Festival.

  • Founded the Tyrone Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, inspired by Stratford.

  • Early pioneer in creating plays for radio.

Bertolt Brecht (1898-1956)

  • German playwright and theater director.

  • Developed Epic Theatre focusing on critical thought over emotional engagement.

  • Notable works include "Mother Courage and Her Children" and "The Good Person of Szechwan."

  • Utilized techniques like breaking the fourth wall to convey political messages.

Harold Pinter (1930-2008)

  • British playwright known for silence and subtext in dialogues.

  • Concept of "Pinteresque" dialogues; highlighted psychological manipulation and power dynamics.

  • Key plays include "The Caretaker" and "The Homecoming."

Noteworthy Actors

Alec Guinness (1914-2000)

  • English actor famous for his role as Obi-Wan Kenobi in "Star Wars: Episode IV."

John Gielgud

  • Celebrated for his performances in classical and solo recitals of Shakespeare.

Ethel Barrymore (1879-1959)

  • Prominent actress and founder of the Ethel Barrymore Theatre.

Tennessee Williams

  • American playwright, known for "The Glass Menagerie" and "A Streetcar Named Desire."

Eugene O'Neill (1888-1953)

  • Pioneer of American drama, known for deep psychological and tragic themes.

  • Notable work: "Long Day's Journey Into Night."

Acting Techniques

Method Acting

  • Developed primarily by Lee Strasberg at the Actors Studio, emphasizing emotional memory to enhance performance.

  • Influenced by Stanislavski's system.

Body of Work of Notable Playwrights
Robert Bolt

  • Known for moral dilemmas in historical dramas, best known for "A Man for All Seasons."

Arthur Miller

  • Renowned for works like "Death of a Salesman" and "The Crucible," exploring deep social issues and personal integrity.

Peter Brook

  • Introduced avant-garde plays and fresh interpretations of classics.

Key Themes

  • Exploration of addiction, illness, power dynamics, moral integrity, ethical ambiguity, and the American Dream throughout various plays.