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