ORIGINS OF THEATRE 1. STORYTELLING 2. MOVEMENT / DANCE 3. JUDICIAL SYSTEM 4. SUPREME ACT OF AN UNIDENTIFIED ARTIST PERHAPS THESPIS 5. RITUAL THEORY 1. STORYTELLING 2. MOVEMENT / DANCE 3. JUDICIAL SYSTEM 4. SUPREME ACT OF AN UNIDENTIFIED ARTIST PERHAPS THESPIS 5. RITUAL THEORY

FIVE FUNCTIONS OF RITUAL 1. A FORM OF KNOWLEDGE (TO PRESERVE AND PASS ON) 2. TO TEACH 3. INFLUENCE OR CONTROL 4. TO GLORIFY (THE GODS OR PERSON IN POWER) 5. TO ENTERTAIN 1. A FORM OF KNOWLEDGE (TO PRESERVE AND PASS ON) 2. TO TEACH 3. INFLUENCE OR CONTROL 4. TO GLORIFY (THE GODS OR PERSON IN POWER) 5. TO ENTERTAIN

ESSENTIAL QUALITIES OF THEATRE 1. AUDIENCE 2. PERFORMERS 3. WHAT IS PERFORMED 4. ENVIRONMENT 5. PERFORMANCE 1. AUDIENCE 2. PERFORMERS 3. WHAT IS PERFORMED 4. ENVIRONMENT 5. PERFORMANCE

Greeks ­ Primitive actors used masks to portray gods and animals. ­ As civilization developed in different cultures, drama took definite forms. ­ People worshiped gods and the glorified earthly rulers with elaborate pageantry. ­ Tales were told of the epic adventures of noble characters engaged in mighty conflicts. ­ It was these tales that led to dramatic presentations, ultimately to acted out again and again as societal ritual.

Greeks ­ Western drama started to develop in Greece in the sixth century B.C. as part of the worship of the Greek god, Dionysus ­ To commemorate the death of Dionysus, a group of chanters, called the chorus, danced around the alter on which a goat was sacrificed. ­ The chorus was referred to as “goat-singers”, and their chant, “goat-song” or tragos – tragedy was derived.

Greeks Dionysus Festivals These ceremonies turned into dramatic contests. - Thespis won the first competition - He stepped from the chorus and engaged in dialogue with the other chorus members. - He became the first actor. - The term thespian had been given to actors ever since.

Greeks THE CHORUS The chorus was an integral part of early Greek plays. They explained the situation, to bring the audience up to date. To make commentary on the action from the point of view of established ideas. To engage in dialogue with the other actors. Over time, the responsibilities of the chorus diminished as the actor’s roles expanded.

History of Drama Roman Middle Ages Roman Middle Ages

Roman Roman drama was largely an imitation of Greek drama. Plays were referred to as closet dramas – plays that were intended to be read rather performed. Roman playwrights offer little compared to their Greek predecessors, however, their plays did influence later writers, including Shakespeare. First to use a front curtain to open and close a show. First to use a claque, (a person or group hired to applaud at a performance).

Roman Eventually deteriorated into sensual interpretative dances called pantomimes. Colossal gladiatorial contests in which the slaughter of humans and animals became the emotional satisfaction for the audience.

Roman A.D. 476 – Rome fell to invading Germanic tribes. These Germanic tribes were largely illiterate and purposefully destroyed many Roman libraries. Much of the Greek and Roman literature was, either lost, destroyed, or ignored for centuries. The Christian (Catholic) Church ruled and bans all theatre activities claiming theatre is immoral.

Medieval After the fall of the Roman empire… Very few people could read or write. Because much of the literature was lost or destroyed, as well as banned by the Church– the only type of drama was wandering players who kept it alive with singing, juggling, acrobatics & marionette shows. Performers who would travel around from village to village were called Troubadours, Joglars, and Minstrels.

Medieval The church services were all done in Latin, despite the fact that only the clergy and the nobility spoke Latin. The Church realizes most of their masses were missing the lessons since they couldn’t speak the language. This prompts them to reestablish Theatre to tell the stories and lessons of the Bible. Performed in the Churches Performed in Pageant Wagons (stage on wheels travelling from town to town).

Medieval Miracle Play- drama about the life of a saint. Morality Play- drama that teaches moral lessons. Mystery Play- drama based on a biblical story. Passion Play- drama based on episodes of Christ’s life.

SOME THEATRE NUTS AND BOLTS TYPES OF THEATRES

PROSCENIUM  MOST COMMON  LIKE A PICTURE FRAME THROUGH WHICH THE ACTION CAN BE SEEN (FOURTH WALL)  AUDIENCE FACES THE STAGE  WINGS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE STAGE  MOST COMMON  LIKE A PICTURE FRAME THROUGH WHICH THE ACTION CAN BE SEEN (FOURTH WALL)  AUDIENCE FACES THE STAGE  WINGS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE STAGE

THRUST  OLDEST KNOW FIXED TYPE OF STAGING - THINK GREEK AMPHITHEATRE  THRUSTS INTO AUDIENCE  AUDIENCE USUALLY ON THREE SIDES  BRINGS ACTION CLOSER TO AUDIENCE - MORE INTIMATE  OLDEST KNOW FIXED TYPE OF STAGING - THINK GREEK AMPHITHEATRE  THRUSTS INTO AUDIENCE  AUDIENCE USUALLY ON THREE SIDES  BRINGS ACTION CLOSER TO AUDIENCE - MORE INTIMATE

THEATRE IN THE ROUND  AUDIENCE ON ALL SIDES  PERHAPS THE MOST INTIMATE TYPE  LINE OF SIGHT?  STAGING?  AUDIENCE ON ALL SIDES  PERHAPS THE MOST INTIMATE TYPE  LINE OF SIGHT?  STAGING?

Types of Theatres  Black Box Theatre –Flexible Staging –Provides infinite staging possibilities –Scenery still limited due to lack of fly system –Excellent for contemporary plays –Brings audience into the show  Black Box Theatre –Flexible Staging –Provides infinite staging possibilities –Scenery still limited due to lack of fly system –Excellent for contemporary plays –Brings audience into the show

Types of Theatres Black Box Theatre

AREAS OF THE STAGE  UP STAGE  DOWN STAGE  STAGE RIGHT  STAGE LEFT  UP STAGE  DOWN STAGE  STAGE RIGHT  STAGE LEFT

Stage Terminology