grade_9_-_Western_Theater_Arts

Western Classical Plays and Operas

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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

Characteristics: A blend of styles from classical Roman and Greek influences.
Themes: Focused on entertainment while conveying moral lessons through enhanced theatrical techniques.

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.