Space and changing shape of theatrical shape

Dramatic action of play is presented on theatrical stage:

Stage sets (not moveable) and stage props (moveable):

• secondary text of play can offer directions for design of stage

• directors have taken different approaches to stage design → from realist to highly symbolic sets (stage set up carries meaning)

Word scenery:

• technique used to create setting rhetorically

• characters describe scenery which is then imagined by audience

• not actually seen

Changing shape of theatrical stage

- Ancient Greece

• open-air round amphitheaters → performed in daylight

• large audience with great distance to stage

• Masks, unnatural voices and exaggerated gestures

• no reality effects → no realism intended: ritualistic, symbolic function (religious background)

• only free men could attend

- Medieval Mystery plays

• mircale and mystery plays performed dring middle ages (religious)

• moveable pageant wagons, open air, on the streets

• audience typically surrounding stage

• each wagon used to stage one scene from bible

• wagons usually sponsored by members of guilds

- The Elizabethan stage

• 15th century theater became independant

• open-air theatres, performances in daylight

• bare stage, minimal props, elaborate costumes

  • word scenery → quick changes of scenery possible

• playwrights part of professional theatre groups

• apron stage (surrounded by audience on three sides)

• e.g. the globe

- Modern times

• since 17th century proscenium stage; since 19th century picture frame stage (indoors, audience in dark → Action is separated from audience by invisible wall)

• often elaborate stag desin and props (emphasis on realism especially in 19th century)

• move away from realism during 20th century

  • theatre of the absurd

  • epic theatre

  • experimental theatre