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1500
The Rise of Renaissance Humanism in Theatre
Humanism during the Renaissance can be defined as "an intellectual movement typified by a revived interest in the classical world and studies which focused not on religion but on what it is to be human"(Cartwright).The revisiting of classic theatre allowed European theatre to develop themes of civic virtue (public and private), moral philosophy, and the use of rhetoric. There was a divergence of religion and an emergence of humanistic qualities inspiring Renaissance playwrights. -
1508
Architect Andrea Palladio
Andrea Palladio (1508-1580), was a passionate, innovative architect during the Renaissance. At the age of 16, Palladio enrolled in the guild of bricklayers and stonemasons in Vicenza (Richardson). His biggest accomplishment was creating the design for the oldest surviving indoor theatre in Europe, the Teatro Olimpico. Construction began in 1580 and was not complete until after his death in 1585. Palladio was influenced by Greek and Roman architecture making the Teatro Olimpico a beautiful sight. -
1545
The Commedia Dell'arte
Commedia dell'arte is a stylistic genre of theatre that emphasized ensemble acting beginning in the 16th century. The innovative framework included masks, stock situations, and comic acting techniques. Commedia dell'arte was most popular in France. The earliest company reported to have shown these plays was Francesco Andreini and his wife Isabella's Gelosi (1568-1604). The importance of Commedia dell'arte is its innovative acting techniques that are irrecoverable because of their uniqueness. -
1564
Playwright William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare (1564-1616), is considered the greatest dramatist of all time (John et al.). Shakespeare allegedly attended a grammar school in Stratford-upon-Avon, where he learned basic Latin language skills. His first play was published around 1590 with "The Taming of the Shrew". He even dabbled in acting in his own Elizabethan theatre, The Globe. Shakespeare's comedies and tragedies have outlasted all others from this time, because they are still being performed around the world. -
1568
Actor Richard Burbage
Richard Burbage (1567-1619), was the most successful and well-known actor in Europe. Burbage became a member of the Earl of Leicester's company in approx.1587. His skills were sought by major playwrights such as Thomas Kyd, John Webster, and William Shakespeare (The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica). Burbage was in a plethora of Shakespeare plays such as, "Richard III", "Hamlet", "Macbeth", and "Othello", to name a few. Burbage is an important actor because of his ability to convey narrative. -
Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet"
"Romeo and Juilet" was written by William Shakespeare and first published in 1597. The play contains a story about two star crossed lovers whose families forbid them to be together, leading to angst and suicide. This play can be considered the most successful and influential play to come out of the Renaissance because of how many renditions have taken the stage and film screen. Juliet's character is portrayed differently each time, encompassing the shift of women's equality and power. -
The Globe Theatre
The Elizabethan style theatre, The Globe Theatre was constructed in 1599 by the Lord Chamberlain's Men. The theatre was constructed to house Shakespeare's plays. The Globe got it's name from Richard Burbage who said it looked like "the figure of Hercules carrying the globe on his back" (Shakespeare Birthplace Trust). The Globe is an important structure because it has been rebuilt 3 times due to fires and still stands tall to this day in London. Today there are plays shown from the Renaissance. -
The Emergence of Opera
While there weren't necessarily musicals during the Renaissance, there was the development and emergence of the Opera. The Opera is dated to have begun in the early 1600s in Florence, Italy. Opera is a dramatic performance. It was innovative in the sense that it allowed musicality through a journey. Claudio Monteverdi is the most successful Opera singer of the time. The emergence of Opera is important because it allowed for the manifestation of the common musical theatre seen today. -
Proscenium Arch
The proscenium arch was first installed in a permanent theatre around 1618 at the Farnese Theatre in Italy (Britannica). The arch was created to provide an atmosphere and sense of spectacle (Britannica). It created a breathtaking view for the audience before the performance even began. The arch became a transitional element in the late 1800s because of the added curtain. The proscenium arch is important because it has become a staple for traditional theaters around the world. -
Mechanized Pole-and-Chariot System
The mechanized pole-and-chariot system was developed by Giacomo Torelli in 1641.The system includes flats mounted on long poles. These pass through slots in the flooring to 2-wheeled wagons that run on a track under the stage (“Giacomo Torelli”). The system was placed underneath the stage to take away distraction from the audience. This is an important, innovative system because it allows for more effective scene changes. The system allows the audience to remain emerged in the narrative.