Italian Drama of the Renaissance
Historical Background:
Renaissance:
Rebirth - Renewed interest in the Classics (Greek and Roman Thought)
 |
Philosophy
Art, Science, Trade, Government |
Starts
Approximately:
|
1400's
in Italy and Spain
|
|
1500's
in England
(Shakespearean) |
|
1600's
in France
(Neoclassicism) |
Major
geographical "specialization's"
|
Italy:
Fine Arts, Architecture |
|
Spain:
Exploration,
Navigation, and Cartography |
|
England:
Literature, Language, and Theatre |
|
France:
Philosophy and Social Organization |
Fundamental
Thought: "Life is something to be enjoyed"
Renaissance
Ideal: "A balanced life within oneself and society"
|
A
Paradigm Shift from a Theological view to a Humanist view |
|
Salvation
now, not after death. |
Factors
in the Rebirth:
|
Fall
of Byzantine Empire and Gothic Culture (Feudalism) |
|
Florence
trade capitol of the world (Marco Polo) and Medici Wealth |
|
Guttenberg's
Printing Press and Bible |
|
Academies
(Social - academic clubs and societies, loose schools) |
|
Influences
on Italian Art and Architecture De
Architectura -
Vitruvius The
Poetics -
Aristotle Art
of Poetry - Horace |
|
Development
of Perspective |
|
Use
of
Chiaroscuro |
Age
of Scenes and Machines (Theatre):
|
Originally
court theatre develops into Opera |
|
Bibienna's
- Family of Scenic Designers |
|
Sebastiani
Serlio - Theatre Architect, stated usage, form, and function |
|
Final
development of Proscenium Arch |
|
Lighting
Needs |
|
Scenic
Considerations |
|
Theatro
Olympico - Palladi - Constructed false perspective |
|
Teatro
Farnese - Alleoti - First True Modern Proscenium Arch |
|
Nicola
Sabbatini - Scenic Construction Manual |
Wing
and Drop:
|
Flats
and Wings: Angled Flats, Periaktoi, Flat Wings |
|
Drops |
|
Borders,
Cut Borders, Back Drops, Drop Cloths |
|
Mechanisms |
|
Chariot
and Pole, Shutter and Groove, Gear Drives (Capstan) |
|
Batten,
Line, and Trap |
|
Futtenbach
- "Noble Mirror of Art" - Lighting Manual |
Genres:
|
Comedy |
|
Tragedy
-
Heroic |
|
Pastoral
-
Romantic and Sentimental |
|
Intermezzi
-
Based on Mythology, allegorical, ornate, uses chorus |
|
Evolves
into Opera - Ornate and highly popular |
|
Commedia
Dell'Arte - Street Theatre |
Commedia Dell'Arte:
|
Working
mans theatre |
|
Popular
themes simple plots |
|
Actor
centered highly skilled |
|
Scenario
based improvisational |
|
Completed
broad movements |
|
Body
and bawdy humor |
Stock
Characters:
4
Masks; 2 Vecchi (old Men), 2 Zanni (Servants)
|
Mains:
Vecchi |
|
Dotore ( |
|
Pantallone
(Foolish or Miserly merchant) |
|
Foils:
Zanni |
|
Harlequin
/ Arlechino (Whimsical, Intelligent,
Clown) |
|
Brighela
/ Capitano (Braggart, Coward, Soldier (2 Faced) |
|
Scaramouche
(Wise servant / Voice of Reason) |
|
Young
Lovers
|
Compassion
/ Lust
"Common
Man Plot" and Devices: No Masks
Lazzi:
Early Sight Gags, Running Jokes, basically "Slapstick"