1. By: Anna Maguire & Leigh Proctor
Realism & Naturalism
By: Anna Maguire & Leigh Proctor

2. Time Period Overview
1876- This year was the end of the reconstruction period
1880- James A Garfield is elected president of the United States
1885- The Washington Monument is completed
1890- Massacre at Wounded Knee
1890- Sherman Antitrust Act

3. What is the Difference Between Realism and Naturalism?
Based on real life
Portrays ordinary people
Uses more realistic themes such as society, social classes, etc.
Characters are often middle class
Naturalism:
Is an extension of realism, but more heavily influenced by scientific theories
Portrays more how an environment or social conditions influence a human
Contains themes of violence, prostitution, or poverty
Characters are often lower class

4. Authors
Henrik Ibsen- Known as the “Father of Drama” He wrote classics such as, “A Doll’s House” (1879) and “A School for Scandal”
August Strindberg- He wrote popular pieces such as, “Miss Julie” (1879) “Inferno” (1897) and “The Father” (1887)
Anton Chekhov- He was well known for his literary works such as, “Three Sisters” (1900) “The Seagull” (1895) and “Ward Number Six” (1892)

5. Directors
Konstantin Stanislavski ( ) - co-founder of Moscow Art Theatre. The most popular piece he directed was The Seagull, which was written by Anton Chekhov, and his production of Hamlet.
David Belasco ( ) - Most famous for writing Hearts of Oak, but he also directed shows such as, The Heart of Maryland and Du Berry

6. Acting
Konstantin Stanislavski- developed the Stanislavsky System of acting, which has actors use past emotional experiences to influence their performance.

7. Plays “A Doll’s House” Written by: Henrik Ibsen Year: 1879
This is a story about a woman named Nora, who lives a seemingly normal life, but is holding a big secret from her husband.
”Three Sisters”
Written by:Anton Chekhov
Year: 1900
This play is about three sisters, Olga, Natasha, and Masha living in Russia during some political turmoil. They have to navigate family and political struggles.

8. Writing Style
Playwrights were influenced by the writings of Charles Darwin.
They believed that a character’s surroundings can help determine who they are.
They prioritized literacy over drama.
A lot of writings were based on scientific theories.

9. Structures Moscow art Theatre. : Founded on 1898 in Moscow Russia
Freie Buhne: Founded on 1889 in Berlin Germany.
Theatre Libre: Founded in 1887 in Paris France.

10. Scenery Settings tend to be realistic. Settings tend to be bland.
Props are realistic and kept indoors.

11. Costumes Costumes are authentic. Costumes are historically accurate.
Costumes are very detailed.
Made to look more realistic.

12. Vocabulary
Garrulous: full of trivial conversation.
Dilapidated: in a state of decay, ruin, or deterioration.
Malevolence: wishing evil to others.
Tumultuous: characterized by unrest or disorder or insubordination.
Exalt: praise, glorify, or honor.
Intangible: hard to pin down or identify
Eidophusikon: scaled down version of a theatre, can pay close attention to every detail.
Hernani: Started to show the illusion of reality.
Cyclorama: Background curtain pulled to form a background color.
Ubermarionttes: Super puppets used to get rid of declaratory acting.

13. Bibliography
Book: Chekhov, Anton Pavlovich, et al. Chekhov, the Major Plays. Signet Classics, 2006.
Noises Off Study Guide,
“ AP U.S. History Timelines - Study Notes.” Go to the Front Page of StudyNotes, history/timelines/ /.
Moore, Sonia. “Konstantin Stanislavsky.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 3 Aug. 2018,
“Realism and Naturalism Theatre Conventions.” The Drama Teacher, thedramateacher.com/realism-and-naturalism- theatre-conventions/.