Lecture 18- Theatre History (2)

Question 1

What are major features of these movements: Realism, naturalism, epic theatre, theatre of the absurd

Answer 1

Realism- humans(characters) are controlled by their environment and heredity

Naturalism(realism on steroids)- observed time, place and action.

Epic Theatre- utilized Verfremdungseffekt: making strange effect of Allenation effect

Theatre of the Absurd- influenced by atrocities of WWII and the rise of Existentialism in France

Question 2

Father of realism

Answer 2

Henrik Ibsen (A Doll’s House)

Question 3

Define scientific play and who advocated for its use

Answer 3

Scientific Plays: Emile Zola; placing characters with inherited circumstances inside a carefully controlled environment and observing the result

Question 4

Who wrote waiting for godot??

Answer 4

Samuel Beckett

Question 5

What is Verfremdungseffekt(making strange/ alienation effect)…. What is its purpose?

Answer 5

Attempt to detach the audience from the action on the stage, so they never forgot they were watching a play

Question 6

Who created theater of cruelty and what are its major features

Answer 6

Antonin Artaud- tried to connect people with the carnal truth within themselves

Question 7

Realism was a revolt against 19th century artistic movement

Answer 7

Romantic idealism