Study Notes on Theatre and Performance History
Humanist Philosophical Movement during the Renaissance
- The main focus of the Humanist philosophical movement was the revival and study of classical texts and the emphasis on the value of human beings and human experience.
- Caricature of Learning: An exaggerated representation of a scholar who embodies false pretenses about intellectuality, typically observing pompous and fraudulent traits.
Theatre and Lord Chamberlain's Men
- Discussed the theatre which was home to the Lord Chamberlain's Men, later known as the King's Men, highlighting the importance of shareholders, including Shakespeare himself, in its ownership.
Influence on Neoclassicism
- A noted figure who had considerable influence over Neoclassicism through his writings.
European Avant Garde Theatre
- Different styles of theatre that fall under the mold of the European Avant Garde movement were explored.
Noh Theatre Conventions
- Stage Attendants: Dressed in black, these individuals assist performers and handle props in Noh theatre.
- A distinguishing characteristic of Commedia dell'arte was their use of improvised performances and stock characters.
Tokugawa Shogunate and Kabuki
- The role of the Tokugawa Shogunate in Japan during the inception of Kabuki theatre was examined for its cultural significance.
Elizabethan Theatre Dynamics
- During Elizabethan Theatre, the cheaper seats were typically sold to the lower classes, creating social stratifications in theatre attendance.
Socio-Political Theatre
- A form of theatre emphasized socio-political narratives rather than emotional appeals for catharsis, often using narration and projections to maintain an acknowledgment of the theatrical experience.
- The main objective of the Egungun masquerade performance within Yoruba culture is to honor and communicate with ancestors.
Bunraku Puppet Theatre
- Key elements of a Bunraku puppet performance include elaborate puppetry, narration, and music, which were integral to its storytelling tradition.
Elizabethan and Jacobean Theatre Timeline
- This theatre period spanned the mid-17th century, roughly between 1630 and 1680.
Humors Theory in Elizabethan Theatre
- The Humors theory outlined four bodily fluids believed to influence personality and behavior, relating directly to character motivations.
Origins of Kabuki Theatre
- A historical overview of the location and development of Kabuki theatre practices and its initial performances was discussed.
Elizabethan Theatre Regulation
- During the Elizabethan era, censorship of plays was overseen by a figure who held authority to regulate performances critical of the monarchy.
- In Commedia dell'arte, characters could be recognized through distinctive costumes and exaggerated features.
Averaging Differences in the Kabuki Style
- The Kabuki movement featured differing performance styles, including wagoto, known for its softness and romantic expression, versus aragoto, characterized by boldness and flamboyance.
Brecht's Theories
- A deep dive into Bertolt Brecht's theory of Verfremdungseffekt:
- This technique, also known as "alienation effect," involves distancing the audience to encourage critical reflection rather than emotional immersion, influencing subsequent productions in Musical Theatre post-1960s.
- Characteristics include the use of narration, breaking the fourth wall, and disallowing emotional catharsis.
Characteristics of Neoclassical Theatre
- Key features include adherence to classical rules, emphasizing unity of time, place, action, and moralistic endings, along with the rejection of soliloquies.
Kabuki's Unique Features
- Notable characteristics include the use of distinct makeup styles, especially in the Aragoto performance style, and the strong poses adopted by actors.
Influence of Egungun Tradition
- Contemporary theatre's evolution has been significantly influenced by the traditions of Egungun, promoting themes of ancestry and cultural identity in performance art.
Modern Theatre Development
- The emergence of new theatrical forms such as Epic Theatre, pioneered by figures like Piscator, takes root alongside the developments brought forth by Brecht.