Realism in drama shook up 19th-century theater by showing everyday life on stage. Playwrights like Ibsen and Chekhov ditched fancy language and far-fetched plots, instead focusing on regular people dealing with real problems.

This new style reflected big changes happening in society. As cities grew and science advanced, people wanted art that spoke to their experiences. Realism gave them just that, tackling tough issues like women's rights and class inequality.

Realism in 19th-Century Drama

Defining Characteristics of Realism

• Depicted life authentically rejected idealized or romanticized portrayals common in earlier theatrical traditions
• Used naturalistic language reflected everyday speech patterns and colloquialisms rather than heightened poetic dialogue
• Focused on contemporary social issues and moral dilemmas often challenged societal norms and conventions (women's rights, class inequality)
• Created complex, psychologically motivated characters rooted actions and decisions in believable human experiences and emotions
• Set plays in ordinary, everyday locations audiences could easily recognize and relate to (living rooms, workplaces)
• Employed the "fourth wall" convention created the illusion that the audience observed real events unfolding before them
• Developed subtle and nuanced plot structures focused on gradual character development rather than dramatic spectacle

Realist Techniques in Drama

• Utilized prose dialogue instead of verse mimicked natural speech patterns
• Incorporated detailed stage directions provided specific information about characters' actions, emotions, and surroundings
• Employed subtext revealed characters' true thoughts and feelings through indirect communication
• Created ensemble casts featured multiple important characters rather than focusing on a single protagonist
• Used symbolism and metaphor to convey deeper meanings within realistic settings (Ibsen's "A Doll's House" - the tarantella dance)
• Developed three-dimensional characters with complex motivations and backstories
• Explored moral ambiguity presented characters and situations without clear-cut right or wrong answers

Impact of Realism on Theatre

Changes in Production Design

• Shifted set design from painted backdrops to detailed, three-dimensional representations of real-world environments (period-accurate furniture, practical props)
• Created naturalistic lighting effects simulated actual time of day and atmospheric conditions of the play's setting
• Prioritized historically accurate and socioeconomically authentic costume design reflected characters' true circumstances and time period
• Preferred proscenium arch stage allowed for the creation of a more immersive, "slice of life" presentation
• Incorporated realistic sound effects enhanced the illusion of a real environment (street noises, weather sounds)
• Used period-appropriate props and set dressing added authenticity to the production
• Minimized theatrical conventions like asides and soliloquies maintained the illusion of reality

Evolution of Acting Styles

• Developed "psychological realism" emphasized subtlety, nuance, and emotional truth over theatrical exaggeration
• Implemented Stanislavski's System revolutionized actor training and performance techniques
• Focused on creating ensemble performances maintained the illusion of real life through meticulous attention to detail in staging and characterization
• Encouraged actors to research and understand their characters' backgrounds and motivations
• Emphasized the importance of listening and reacting naturally to other actors on stage
• Developed techniques for portraying subtext and inner emotional life
• Explored the use of pauses and silences to convey meaning and tension

Key Figures in Realist Drama

Pioneering Playwrights

• Henrik Ibsen, "father of realism," pioneered prose dialogue and contemporary settings challenged societal norms and explored complex psychological themes
• Developed "well-made play" structure featured exposition, rising action, climax, and denouement became a model for realist dramatists
• Anton Chekhov refined realist style focused on subtle character interactions and everyday life poetry often eschewed traditional plot structures in favor of mood and atmosphere
• Used subtext and explored the gap between characters' desires and actions significantly influenced modern drama development
• August Strindberg introduced naturalism and expressionism pushed psychological realism boundaries in later works ("Miss Julie," "The Father")
• George Bernard Shaw combined realism with social criticism and wit used stage as platform for addressing contemporary issues and challenging societal norms ("Pygmalion," "Mrs. Warren's Profession")

Influential Directors and Theorists

• Konstantin Stanislavski developed the System of acting in response to realist drama demands particularly Chekhov's works
• Created techniques for actors to access emotional memory and develop believable characters
• André Antoine founded the Théâtre Libre in Paris pioneered naturalistic staging techniques and promoted new realist playwrights
• Emphasized the importance of ensemble acting and detailed, authentic set design
• Émile Zola, while primarily a novelist, wrote influential essays on naturalism in theatre
• Advocated for scientific objectivity and social determinism in dramatic representation

Social and Cultural Contexts of Realism

Industrial Revolution and Social Change

• Rapid urbanization in the 19th century created new social dynamics and challenges realist playwrights explored and critiqued
• Growing social awareness and political movements provided rich material for realist playwrights (women's suffrage, workers' rights)
• Decline of aristocratic patronage and rise of middle-class audience shifted theatrical tastes towards relatable, contemporary subject matter
• Increased literacy rates and newspaper readership exposed audiences to social issues and current events
• Emergence of photography influenced desire for realistic representation in art and theatre

Scientific and Philosophical Influences

• Rise of scientific thought and rationalism influenced realist dramatists to approach work with more objective, analytical perspective
• Emergence of psychology as a field of study, particularly Sigmund Freud's work, influenced realist dramatists' approach to character development and motivation
• Darwin's theory of evolution impacted views on human nature and social determinism
• Positivist philosophy emphasized empirical evidence and scientific method influenced naturalistic approach to drama
• Marx's theories on class struggle and social inequality provided framework for critiquing society in realist plays