Renaissance Theatre (~ )

What was the Renaissance? Began in Italy and spread to other European countries Rebirth of cultural interest Looking at the world in new ways Trying to surpass the Classical world The arts were seen as an important part of learning and literary culture Spirit of inquiry led to disputes over religion Center of power shifted away from the church In England the official state religion changed 4 times in 1500s When Queen Eliz I took the throne in 1558, she outlawed plays dealing with religion – that ended 200 years of religious theatre.

Italy during the Renaissance Perspective drawing developed in 1400s Seen almost as a form of magic Became very important in scenery Fixed point from audience to back of stage (from King or Queen’s seat) ** This signaled movement away from formal and architectural stages (like Greeks and Romans) to representational and pictoral stage.

Examples of Perspective Art Classic Renaissance Perspective Drawing

Translating the Art to the Stage Perspective Scenery

Technical Drawing Scenery in Perspective

Just for Fun

…Italian Scenery During 17 th Century (1600s) – pictoral representations of “place” in stage scenery became standards in Europe into the 20 th C. Changing scenery became necessary to change “place”

Classic Renaissance Theatres Italian theatres were first – English were later Very elaborate in design and decoration Permanent buildings to honor the importance of the arts Closed in roof – often stained glass dome and chandeliers of candles Footlights – candles along front edge of stage to light the stage

…more physical space Auditorium divisions of boxes and levels of galleries reflected European social class. Box on side = wealthy showing off their position Lower level seats are called “Orchestra” because they are close to the pit - best seats for seeing the play = for middle class or wealthy who don’t want to show off Gallery (balcony) = for lower classes, higher up and in back – usually different stairways and doors

Note Stained Glass Dome (later electrified)

Detroit Theatre turned garage

Mansfield, Ohio Theatre

Commedia dell’arte Improvisation – plots and subplots, but improvised dialogue Stock characters – standard costumes Use of Mime and Pantomime Traveled in companies Re-Introduced women as equals

France during the Renaissance 1548 – religious plays outlawed 1630s – Cardinal Richelieu (Louis X111’s prime minister) was cultural leader Wanted to make France the cultural center of Europe Had 1 st proscenium theatre built in own palace in 1641 Looked to copy some of Italian theatre

1640s-1800 – Neoclassical Rules Tragedy about Kings and Nobles Comedy about middle and lower classe All plays in 5 acts (like Greek episodes) Unity of Time – action in 24 hours Unity of Place – 1 set – unlike Italians Unity of Action – 1 plot All endings should have poetic justice

Types of French Plays Sottie – French short plays at festivals Bawdy burlesques of Roman Catholic Mass Mock Mass – satire of religious service Buffoonery and noise Farce – Fully developed play also based on satire Sometimes bawdy Usually just silly with slapstick humor

Important French Playwright Moliere – Jean Baptiste Poquelin ( ) 1643 – Theatre Illustre – 9 friends – toured for 15 years 1658 – King liked them – Court Theatre – subsidy Controversial Subjects – obsessive behavior and repressive customs Mostly farces and stock characters

Omaha’s Orpheum Theatre

Seattle’s Paramount Theatre

Buenos Aires, Argentina