EUROPEAN RENAISSANCE

THEATRE
· Medieval Revival of art in literature under the classical
models in 14th and 15th centuries.

· The word “Renaissance) is a French word that means

“Rebirth.”

· Just before 1500, Italian amateur actors were

performing classical comedies on stages with no decoration
except for a row of curtained booths.
Playwrights and Theatrical Conventions:

-Theatre of the Renaissance consisted mainly of Court

Masques or entertainments -written for the royalty and
wealthy, which included music, poetry, and dance.
-More formalized theatre consisted of comedy, tragedy,
pastorals, and intermezzi.

· However, formal theatre in the Renaissance was exclusive

by the nature of its cost. Only the wealthy and privileged
could afford to attend with any frequency and in reaction to
this a competitive form of street theatre came into existence.
Playwrights and Theatrical Conventions:

-Theatre of the Renaissance consisted mainly of Court

Masques or entertainments -written for the royalty and
wealthy, which included music, poetry, and dance.
-More formalized theatre consisted of comedy, tragedy,
pastorals, and intermezzi.

· However, formal theatre in the Renaissance was exclusive

by the nature of its cost. Only the wealthy and privileged
could afford to attend with any frequency and in reaction to
this a competitive form of street theatre came into existence.
· Easily performed in the market square Commedia dell' Arte was
the common persons theater.

Italian Renaissance

Theatre improvisational theatre - In fact, improvisational theatre

developed into a whole new branch of theatre.

acting style-There was no longer the reliance on the chorus and the
singing of the text, though that did persist in another new form of
theatre.
Opera-This is a form of theatre that has remained very much
unchanged into our modern times since it was developed in the
Renaissance.

dramatic criticism-Another area of significant change included the

theatre spaces.

theatre architecture- A major development of the Renaissance was in

the area of artistic expression.

New types of plays (besides neo-Roman and Greek style plays)

 Intermezzi-This genre was developed to fill in the gaps between the
acts of larger plays.
Pastoral-These plays are set in nature (the unspoiled landscape of
forests, glens, gardens, etc.) and were meant to represent how life
was meant to work in an ideal world
Opera-This is a form of theatre that has remained very much
unchanged into our modern times since it was developed in the
Renaissance.

new genre developed by the Italians in the Renaissance is called:

commedia dell’arte-This was a new genre for the Italians. It was
loosely based on the Satyr plays and the Pastorals, but it was all
Two major playwrights to know about

The first is Christopher Marlowe (1564-1593)-He is most famous for

his updated versions of many of the morality plays and stories from
the earlier Medieval period of English plays.

· Doctor Faustus, the German morality tale

The other notable playwright is William Shakespeare (1564-1616)-He

is probably already familiar to you. His plays were all fairly impactful,
and he is often considered to be the finest English playwright.
The other notable playwright is William Shakespeare (1564-1616)-He
is probably already familiar to you. His plays were all fairly impactful,
and he is often considered to be the finest English playwright.
Shakespeare was an actor first, and then he became a playwright
who also acted.

key features and characteristics of European Renaissance theatre:

1.
Classical Influence: Renaissance scholars looked back to the classical
civilizations of Greece and Rome for inspiration. They studied ancient
texts and incorporated classical themes, structures, and theatrical
conventions into their works.
2. Humanism: Humanism, a philosophical movement emphasizing
the potential and dignity of human beings, greatly influenced
3. Theatre Spaces: Theatrical performances during the
Renaissance often took place in various venues, including public
squares, courtyards, and indoor theatres. Theaters such as the
Globe Theatre in London were specifically built to accommodate the
growing popularity of plays.
4. Types of Plays: Renaissance theatre encompassed a variety of
dramatic forms, including tragedies, comedies, and histories.
Playwrights drew inspiration from classical mythology, historical
events, and contemporary life.
3. Theatre Spaces: Theatrical performances during the
Renaissance often took place in various venues, including public
squares, courtyards, and indoor theatres. Theaters such as the
Globe Theatre in London were specifically built to accommodate the
growing popularity of plays.
4. Types of Plays: Renaissance theatre encompassed a variety of
dramatic forms, including tragedies, comedies, and histories.
Playwrights drew inspiration from classical mythology, historical
events, and contemporary life.
5. William Shakespeare: Perhaps the most famous playwright of
the Renaissance era, Shakespeare wrote numerous plays that
continue to be performed and studied today. His works, such as
"Hamlet," "Romeo and Juliet," and "Macbeth," are celebrated for
their complex characters, rich language, and exploration of
universal themes.
6. Commedia dell'arte: Originating in Italy, commedia dell'arte
was a popular form of improvised comedy characterized by stock
characters, exaggerated gestures, and masked performers. It had a
significant influence on European theatre and contributed to the
development of comedic traditions.
development of comedic traditions.

7. Theatre Troupes: Renaissance theatre was supported by

professional acting companies, or troupes, which often consisted of
traveling actors who performed for various audiences across
Europe. These troupes played a crucial role in popularizing and
disseminating theatrical works.
8. Language and Translation: Plays were performed in the
language of their intended audience, leading to translations and
adaptations of works across different countries. This helped
facilitate the exchange of ideas and cultural influences within
Europe.
adaptations of works across different countries. This helped
facilitate the exchange of ideas and cultural influences within
Europe.

9. Social Commentary: Renaissance plays often reflected and

commented on the social and political issues of the time. They
explored themes such as power, love, justice, and the complexities
of human relationships.
10. Costumes and Stagecraft: Renaissance theatre was known for
elaborate costumes, sets, and stage effects. Performances featured
colorful costumes, detailed props, and innovative stage designs
 Most of Modern European theatre drama is a rich
tapestry of diverse styles, themes, and movements that
have shaped the cultural landscape of Europe and
beyond.
Realism- is a general movement that began in 19th-
century theatre, around the 1870s, and remained
present through much of the 20th century. It developed
a set of dramatic and theatrical conventions with the
aim of bringing a greater fidelity of real life to texts and
performances.
 aim of bring
performanc

Expressionism- derives its strength from

playwrights who express their own internal crisis
and the cracks in society which they encounter.
 aim of bring
performanc

Theatre of the Absurd-is a post–World War II

designation for particular plays of absurdist fiction
written by a number of primarily European
playwrights in the late 1950s.
 aim of bring
performanc

Political theatre- influenced by Europe's socio-

political climate, tackles contemporary issues like
war, oppression, and human rights, exemplified
by works by Bertolt Brecht and Fernando Arrabal.

orld War II
absurdist fiction
 aim of bring
performanc
Postmodern theatre-challenges conventional
narratives, blurring the lines between reality and
fiction, and exploring meta-theatrical concepts
and non-linear storytelling.

socio-
orld War
ssues likeII
absurdist fiction
 aim of bring
performanc

Feminist Theatre-is a type of theater that focuses

on the social and political struggles of women,
their history and accomplishments, and the
systems that oppress women.

socio-
nal
orld War
ssues likeII
ity
absurdist
and fiction
 on
aim of bring
the
performanc
sys
Physical Theatre- It emphasizes movement,
gesture, and expression over spoken dialogue. It
draws from various disciplines such as dance,
mime, and circus arts to create visually
compelling performances

socio-
nal
orld War
ssues likeII
ity
absurdist
and fiction
 on
aim of bring
the
performanc
sys
Physical Theatre- It emphasizes movement,
gesture, and expression over spoken dialogue. It
draws from various disciplines such as dance,
mime, and circus arts to create visually
compelling performances

socio-
nal
orld War
ssues likeII
ity
absurdist
and fiction
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Physical Theatre- It emphasizes movement,
gesture, and expression over spoken dialogue. It
draws from various disciplines such as dance,
mime, and circus arts to create visually
compelling performances
 PROCESS
01
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 RESULT
RESULT 01 RESULT 02
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RESULT
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CONCLUSION
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DOCUMENTATION