NEOCLASSICAL THEATRE
NEO CLASSICAL THEATRE
The neoclassical period was a
movement where the styles of
Roman and Greek societies
influenced the theater arts
CHARACTERISTICS:
• Theatre was characterized by its
grandiosity
• Costume and sceneries were highly
elaborate
• The main concept of the plays were to
entertain and to teach lesson
• Stages were restyled with dramatic
CHARACTERISTICS:
• Lighting and sound effects intensified
the mood and message of each scene,
enhancing the dramatic experiences
• The idea of changing scenery and
backdrops become more noticeable,
particularly with the invention of pulley
system
NEO CLASSICAL THEATRE
The concept of decorum (meaning the right
and proper audience behavior) was applied
in this period which means classical
concepts and appropriate social behavior
must be observed.
This period officially established just two
types of plays, tragedy and comedy.
NEO CLASSICAL THEATRE
They never mixed these together, and
the restriction led to the use of the now
well known pair of happy and sad masks
that symbolize the theatrical arts.
NEO CLASSICAL THEATRE
Tragedies – portrayed the complex and
fateful lives of the upper classes and
royals.
Comedies – which were either public
discourse or comedies of manners, tended
to focus on the lower ranks of society.
AN 18TH CENTURY NEO CLASSICAL THEATRE
THREE PLAYWRIGHTS:
1. Pierre Cornielle
Was often called the father of
the French tragedy, writing
scripts for more than four
decades.
Major work:
The Cid
THREE PLAYWRIGHTS:
2. Jean – Baptiste Poquelin
(better known as Moliere)
Known for his comedies
Major works:
Tartuffe
Misanthrope
THREE PLAYWRIGHTS:
3. Jean Racine
Was tragedian beloved for
his simple approach to action
and the linguistic rhythms
and effects.
Major works:
Andromache and Phaedra
TRIVIA ABOUT NEO CLASSICAL
THEATRE
The first “spotlight” was used in
the U.S. during this period and
was “Limelight”.
The theater regulation Act of
1843 banned drinking in
legitimate theatres.
ROMANTIC THEATRE
ROMANTIC THEATRE
During the Romantic period, melodrama
and operas became the most popular
theatrical forms.
Melodrama originated from the French
word “Melodrame” which is derived from
the greek “melos”, music and French
“drame”, which is derived from the greek
ROMANTIC THEATRE
Melodrama can be described as a
dramatic work that puts characters in a
lot of danger in order to appeal to the
emotions and in which orchestral music or
song was used to accompany the action.
ROMANTIC THEATRE
Opera is an art form in which singers and
musicians perform a dramatic work
combining text (called libretto) and
musical score.
Acting, scenery, costumes and dance
were important elements of theatre.
It is usually performed in an opera house
ROMANTIC PLAYWRIGHTS:
1. Victor Marie Hugo
Considered as one of the
greatest and best known
French writer
He was a poet, novelist, and
dramatist of the Romantic
movement.
ROMANTIC PLAYWRIGHTS:
1. Victor Marie Hugo
Major works:
Les contempalations
La legend des siecles
Les miserable
Notre – dame de Paris known as the
hunchback of notre dame
ROMANTIC PLAYWRIGHTS:
1. George Bizet
This French composer was a
pianist and best known for his
operas.
Compose the title role for a
mezzo-soprano in the
character of carmen
