The rebirth of Theatre

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Italian Renaissance Theatre

• The rebirth of Theatre

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Background Information

• considered the rebirth classical ideas
• remarkable developments in the visual and
  performing arts
• focus on relatable human beings rather than gods
• fostered and inspired by several wealthy patrons
• de Medici family most notable and influential

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A Study of Humanism
Madonna Enthroned with Angels and Prophets, by
Cimabue, ca. 1280-1290.
Madonna of the Rocks, by Leonardo da Vinci, ca.
1483-1486.
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Dramatic Rules

• prescriptive critics driving force behind
  dramatic rules
• neoclassical ideals include
• drama should be true to life
• unity of time, place, and action
• very narrow interpretation of genres
• Prohibited many commonly accepted dramatic
  practices

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Drama

• not very significant or radical
• heavily influenced by classical theatre
• intermezzi depicted mythological tales
  thematically related to full-length works
• pastorals toned down the bawdiness of Greek satyr
  plays
• opera recreated the melodic Greek tragic style

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Commedia Dellarte

• flourished from 1550 to 1750
• highly adaptable improvisational theatre
• scenarios with stock characters uttering lazzi
  outlined performances
• performers played same stock characters for
  entire careers
• characters wore traditional costumes and used
  traditional props (i.e. Harlequins slapstick)

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Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza

• miniature indoor Roman theatre
• accommodated approximately 3,000 spectators
• ornate façade of scene house patterned after
  Roman scaena frons
• scenery made use of perspective architecture

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Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza
Scene house of the Teatro Olimpico
Diagram of the Teatro Olimpico
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Teatro Farnese in Parma

• large traditional theatre with pit, boxes, and
  galleries
• accommodated 3,500 spectators
• proscenium-arch stage made possible perspective
  drawing scenery
• early groove system difficult to coordinate with
  scene changes
• pole-and-chariot system much smoother