French Theatre Neoclassicism
I. Influences and times A B. Neoclassic Rules of writing 1. Followed Aristotlean rules a. Protagonist b. Antagonist c. Character d. Plot e. Conflict
C. Rules of grammar D. Five-act form developed E. Poetic Dialogue F. Audience etiquette
II. Playwrights A. Moliere 1. Born in Paris 2. Classical Education a. College du Claremont b. Latin Plays 3. Was to be in Court a. decided against b. decided for the stage
4. Comedies of characters and manners 5. Plays: a. The Miser b. Tartuffe c. The School For Wives d. The Imaginary Invalid e. The Misanthorpe
B. Jean Racine 1. Father legal official 2. Mother and Father died a. raised by grandparents 3. Colleges a. Port-Royal b. University of Paris c. College d’Harcourt
4. Known for tragedies 5. Plays a. Phedre b. Britannicus c. Bernice d. Bajazet
C. Pierre Corneille 1. Educated for law career 2. Known for comedies 3. Didn’t follow neoclassic ideas 4. Plays a. Le CidC. Death of pompey b. Cinna
FRENCH PERFORMANCES
III. Technical Achievements A. Theatre Architechtures 1. Royal Tennis Courts a. temporary theatres 2. Hotel de Bourgogne a. used for mystery plays 3. Salle des Machines a. public theatre & opera house
4. Comedie Francaise a. most famous public theatre & opera house. house. B. Theatre terms 1. Parterre a. standing room 2. Loges a. box seats
3. Paradis a. above loges used as gallery 4. Mansion a. locate scene & house scenery 5. Widow Dellin’s a. concession stand
COMEDIE FRANCAISE
NATIONAL THEATRE
GRAND STAGES
C. Costumes 1. Men a. Cullotes i. Knee breeches b. Justaucorps i. Frock coat c. Carmagnole i. Jacket for peasants
d. Bicorne i. Low hat 2. Women a. Fichu i. Small scarf b. Jupe i. Underskirt - ankle length
c. Levite Gown i. Tight gown w/ bust
The End