grade_9_-_Western_Theater_Arts

Western Classical Plays and Operas

Introduction

  • Western classical theater encompasses various forms of drama and performance art including plays and operas from different historical periods.

Theater Basics

Definition of Theater

  • Theater: Derived from Greek, meaning "place of seeing."

Structure of Theater

  • Theatron: The theater building where performances take place.

  • Audience Area: Central area, either circular or rectangular, designed for spectators.

  • Orchestra: The performance area in front of the stage that traditionally held the chorus in Greek theater.

Greek Theater

  • Overview: Greek theater had significant historical importance, providing early models for performance spaces and dramatic structure.

  • Theatron: Literally means the "watching place."

  • Orchestra: Means "dancing place," used for performances.

  • Skene: The backdrop or scene house, originating the term "scene" for a performance area.

  • Parados: Side entrances used by actors.

Masks in Greek Theater

  • Purpose of Masks: Increased universality of themes and focused audience attention away from physicality of actors while enhancing expression through exaggerated features.

  • Types of Masks: 4 primary masks used for different characters:

    • Jocasta: Mask reflects emotional state depending on the scene, wife and mother of Oedipus.

    • Oedipus: Character mask featuring deep, exaggerated eye sockets.

    • Antigone and Ismene: Depicted with white faces and somber expressions.

    • Creon: Mask showing anger with a prominent crown.

Roman Theater

  • Development: Roman theater integrated various art forms, including street theater and acrobatics, with significant playwrights like Plautus and Seneca.

  • Theatre of Pompey: Marks the first permanent, non-wooden theater in Rome, offering a grand stage for performances.

Medieval Theater

  • Characteristics: Performances moved to public places and markets during the Medieval Era due to restrictions on theater in churches.

  • Church Performances: Easter Sunday plays focused on biblical themes, contributing to community festivals.

Renaissance Theater

  • Characteristics: Public theaters emerged; genres included Commedia dell'arte, known for humor and improvised performances.

  • Notable Figures: William Shakespeare, regarded as "England's National Poet" known for iconic plays like "Romeo and Juliet" and "Hamlet."

Baroque Theater

  • Characteristics: Emphasized special effects through technology—depicting plays with intricate settings made possible by machines, ropes, and pulleys.

Neoclassical Theater

  • Characteristics: A blend of styles from classical Roman and Greek influences.

  • Themes: Focused on entertainment while conveying moral lessons through enhanced theatrical techniques.

Famous Filipino Playwrights

  • Francisco Balagtas: Notable for "Florante at Laura."

  • Severino R. Reyes: Known as the "Father of the Tagalog Zarzuela."

  • Dr. Ricardo G. Abad: Influential director and actor, significant contribution to Filipino theater.

  • Salvador F. Bernal: Pioneered theatrical design, recognized as a National Artist for his work.

Review Questions

  1. Identify the theater marked with advanced technology.

    • A. Baroque Theater

  2. Name the famous tragedy concerning enduring love.

    • B. Romeo and Juliet

  3. Specify the first non-wooden theater in Rome.

    • D. Theater of Pompey

  4. Recognize the author of "Florante at Laura."

    • B. Francisco Balagtas

  5. Identify the "Father of the Tagalog Zarzuela."

    • A. Severino Reyes

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