Theatre 1915 On

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Theatre 1915 - On

• The Major -isms

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The Four isms

• Expressionism
• Existentialism
• Absurdism (theatre of the absurd)
• Post Modernism
• All qualify as Modern Drama

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Modern Drama

• modern/contemporary drama drama from 1900 to the
  present that breaks with or redefines the
  conventions of the past, uses experimental
  techniques, and/or shows the diversity of society
  and the blending of cultures.

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Vocabulary

• Protagonist the main character or character whom
  the action revolves around in a play or other
  literary work.
• Antagonist the opponent of the main character in
  a drama one who opposes and actively competes
  with another character in a play, most often with
  the protagonist.
• Conflict the internal or external struggle
  between opposing forces, ideas, or interests that
  creates dramatic tension.

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Expressionism

• Expressionism use of distortion and exaggeration
  for emotional effect it is a personal art form.
  
• Expressionism is exhibited in many art forms,
  including painting, film, theatre, and music.
• the term often implies emotional angst
• there are not many cheerful works.

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Expressionistic Art
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Expressionism cont.

• Expressionism often abandoned society and family.
  
• Traditional or realistic sets were abandoned
• Movement is very dreamlike and fluid
• Language was often jumbled and confusing.

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Existentialism

• Existentialism a 20th-century philosophical
  movement that denies fate or divine intervention
• requires individuals to take responsibility for
  their own actions to shape their own destinies
  reflected issues the world was facing.
• Modern drama reflected how people felt about the
  world around them
• Post War feelings
• Could God exist and allow the destruction of so
  many innocent human beings?
• Are individuals responsible for group actions?

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Reflections

• Modern Drama reflected issues the world was
  facing.
• Post War feelings
• Could God exist and allow the destruction of so
  many innocent human beings?
• Are individuals responsible for group actions?
• Existentialism a 20th-century philosophical
  movement that denies fate or divine intervention,
  and requires individuals to take responsibility
  for their own actions to shape their own
  destinies.

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Existentialism Cont.

• Jean Paul Sartre
• Existentialist
• Wrote No Exit
• Three people are sent to hell, where they find
  that hell is nothing more (and nothing less) than
  other people. And furniture that does not match.
• Beliefs
• There is little meaning to existence
• God does not exist
• Humanity is therefore alone in an irrational
  universe

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Absurdism

• Qualities
• Happenings in life cannot be logically explained
• It is ridiculous, or absurd
• Reflect that absurdity in dramatic action
• Therefore human existence, relationships, and
  language are meaningless.
• Plots do not have traditional conflict structure
• Nothing really happens.
• Samuel Beckett Waiting for Godot

12
Post Modern Theatre

• Often uses several different types of media
  film, music, and visual art.
• Speeches can be broken up among many characters
• Stories and conflicts are many and complicated.
• Existing ways of seeing the world, or points of
  view were questioned and challenged.
• The audience is vital to the production, often
  called to participate in dialogue.