Theater evolved from ancient rituals to a powerful art form. Greek and Roman traditions set the stage for medieval religious plays, which taught moral lessons through allegory and spectacle.

The Renaissance revitalized theater, leading to the golden age of Elizabethan drama. Later movements like realism and naturalism pushed boundaries, exploring human nature and social issues on stage.

Ancient and Medieval Theater

Evolution of theater through history

• Ancient Greek theater emerged 5th-4th century BCE originated in religious festivals honoring Dionysus developed tragedy and comedy genres featured key playwrights (Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Aristophanes)
• Ancient Roman theater 3rd century BCE - 5th century CE adapted Greek traditions introduced new genres (farce, mime) showcased notable playwrights (Plautus, Terence, Seneca)
• Medieval theater 5th-15th century witnessed decline of secular plays rise of religious drama emergence of new forms (mystery, miracle, morality plays)
• Renaissance theater 14th-17th century revived classical drama developed new forms introduced Commedia dell'arte in Italy
• Elizabethan and Jacobean theater late 16th-early 17th century marked Golden Age of English drama produced renowned playwrights (Shakespeare, Marlowe, Jonson)
• Neoclassical theater 17th-18th century emphasized rules and decorum featured French dramatists (Corneille, Racine, Molière)
• Romantic theater late 18th-19th century rejected neoclassical rules focused on emotion and individualism
• Modern theater late 19th century-present embraced realism and naturalism explored avant-garde movements experimented with contemporary forms

Influence of medieval religious plays

• Medieval religious plays types:

  1. Mystery plays depicted biblical stories from Creation to Judgment Day
  2. Miracle plays portrayed lives of saints and miracles
  3. Morality plays presented allegorical representations of virtues and vices

• Characteristics included vernacular language instead of Latin served didactic purpose teaching religious lessons utilized symbolic characters and allegorical plots

• Influenced later dramatic literature by developing complex narrative structures integrating comic elements within serious themes exploring moral and ethical dilemmas popularizing theater among common people

• Transitioned from religious to secular themes gradually incorporated non-religious elements evolved morality plays into secular allegories

• Left legacy in Renaissance and modern drama influencing mystery and morality themes in later works impacting staging techniques and theatrical spectacle

Renaissance to Modern Theater

Renaissance impact on theater

• Renaissance humanism influenced drama revived classical texts and theatrical traditions focused on human potential and individual expression
• Elizabethan theater 1558-1603 saw construction of purpose-built theaters (The Globe) established professional acting companies and patronage system produced great playwrights (Shakespeare, Marlowe, Jonson)
• Innovations included development of blank verse as poetic medium exploration of complex characters and psychological depth blending of tragedy and comedy (tragicomedy)
• Expanded theatrical genres introduced history plays reflecting national identity revenge tragedies exploring moral ambiguity city comedies satirizing urban life
• Advanced stagecraft using trap doors, flying machines, special effects incorporated elaborate costumes and props
• Served social and political role reflecting Elizabethan society and values providing veiled commentary on contemporary issues
• Influenced subsequent theatrical traditions established repertory system created canon of dramatic literature

Realism vs naturalism in theater

• Historical context: Industrial Revolution social changes rise of scientific thought and empiricism
• Realism emphasized everyday life and contemporary issues featured realistic dialogue and characters showcased key playwrights (Henrik Ibsen, Anton Chekhov)
• Naturalism extended realism influenced by Émile Zola's theories presented deterministic view of human behavior focused on social and environmental factors
• Innovations in staging introduced box set replaced painted backdrops developed fourth wall concept paid attention to historical accuracy in costumes and props
• Thematic focus included social criticism and reform psychological exploration of characters taboo subjects (class struggle, women's rights, sexuality)
• Impacted acting techniques developed more naturalistic styles introduced Stanislavski's System and Method Acting
• Reacted against romanticism and melodrama rejected idealized characters and plots critiqued social conventions and hypocrisy
• Legacy and influence laid foundation for modern drama inspired later theatrical movements (Kitchen Sink drama)