Something to Ponder. Write your response to the following questions on an index card: What do goats & theater have in common?

Transcription

1 Something to Ponder Write your response to the following questions on an index card: What do goats & theater have in common? How does religion play a part in early theatrical development?

2 Evolution of theater FROM ANCIENT GREEKS TO COMMEDIA DEL ARTE

3 Theater Defined Theatre is a social art based on explorations of the cycles of nature, the progression from birth to death, and the forces that compel our behavior. Source: encyclopedia britannica

4 Where & Why Did Theatre Begin? WRITE DOWN YOUR THOUGHTS & PREPARE TO DISCUSS AND SHOW YOUR WORK

5 Early Theatre Part I Ritual A collective ceremony, performed by members of a society, normally for religious or cultural reasons What are some reasons early cultures might have had rituals?

6 Reasons for Ritual 1 Summon gods 2 Influence Nature (a) Rain dance (b) Good harvest (c) Good hunt 3 Medicinal Purposes (a) Healing of illness (b) Part of the healing process itself 4 Worship/Recognize Important Life Events (a) Changing Seasons (b) Birth & Death (c) Marriage (d) Coming of a New Age (i.e. passage into man/womanhood)

7 Theatrical Elements of Ritual What are some of the theatrical elements you believe ancient cultures would have incorporated into their rituals? Ancient Theatrical Elements Staging Costuming Masks Makeup Music Dance Formalized Speech Chanting & Singing Specific Physical Props

8 Rituals Today Working with a nearby partner, come up with a list of 3 modern rituals. For each ritual, see if you can list the theatrical elements which might be similar to those used by the ancients

9 Value of Ceremony & Formality Young participants in any ritual, ceremony, or theatrical presentation, often complain about how boring it is, how formal it has to be, how restrictive the presentations/ceremonies can be. Consider this: Is there a difference between saying Yep, Uh huh, and I do? No. Basically they all mean the same thing. So, why is it that during a wedding the groom only says option 3, I do Which Modern Rituals have a similar formality?

10 Early Theatre Part II Ritual is only half of ancient theatrical performances. Storytelling developed alongside of and quickly blended into the rituals of ancient cultures Working with a nearby partner, develop an answer for the following: 1. Given what you ve studied in Theatre Arts I (so far) what is your definition of Storytelling? 2. Do you believe every culture has some form of storytelling? Why/Why not? 3. How does storytelling compare to ritual?

11 Evolution of Theatre:: Assignment 1 This One Time I You re going to think of an actual event that happened to you, and you ll share this story with the class using basic theatrical elements Your story must: Be at least 1 minute; less than 3 Show strong sensory details Involve you and at least 1 other person Demonstrate a clear beginning, middle, and end Your Story CANNOT be Vulgar, inappropriate, involve illicit activities A dream Fictional Someone else s story Once you have settled on your This One Time I story: Write out a simple outline Analyze which parts of the story will require some theatrics Decide what those theatrics are You ll perform your story at the end/beginning of class

12 A Few Eras of Theater Greek Theater Origins Aristotle s Poetics defines the art of drama (comedy lost) 800 BCE until roughly the end of the 6 th century B.C. (400 B.C.) Dark Ages of Theater 14 th to Late 16 th Century Shakespeare s Theater 1599 to approx Post Modern Theater Theater of the Absurd Commedia dell Arte Short for Commedia dell'arte dell'improvvisazione or comedy of the art of improvisation Mid 15 th to early 17 th Century Theater Abroad Japanese Bunraku, Noh, & Kabuki theater Tribal Theater Other

13 Greek Theater BLAME THE GREEKS BECAUSE ALMOST EVERYTHING IN MODERN THEATER OWES ITS LIFE TO THOSE TOGA WEARIN DUDES & DUDETTES

14 Greek Theater what remains Most of the plays written & produced have been lost to time Of the existing COMPLETE plays, only the works of these 4 writers remain: Aeschylus Sophocles Euripides Aristophanes Greek theater focused on comedy & tragedy and have since suffered MANY misconceptions

15 Greek Theater Ancient Greek theater established many of the forms, functions, terms, and practices for other theater periods in later centuries (as well as modern theater of today) Where did it begin? As ritual to Dionysius (strongly religious) The god of wine, fertility, agriculture, and theater (later) Ritual eventually morphed into performances 534 B.C.Thespis wins the first public contest for tragic poets in Greece, and the term thespian derives from his name. He also introduces masks, which become a staple of Greek and Roman theater.

16 Fact Check With someone near you Write down what you believe a typical Greek play would look like Be specific in terms of: Costuming Makeup Set Design Theater Sound & lighting

17 Misconceptions about Greek Theater Archaeologists & researchers once believed that all Greek buildings, costumes, even clothing were stark white ACTUALLY Vibrant colors in all aspects (scenes, clothing, masks) Loud musical interludes Extensive dancing

18 More Misconceptions Scholars once believed Greek plays only involved Tragedy ACTUALLY Violence Social & ethical plays War, murder Lust, betrayal Not just the gods & heroes stuff but the artifacts of daily life

19 Cool Stuff about Greek Theater Machina: a crane that gave the impression of a flying actor Variation: deus ex machina, from Latin, god from the machine Ekkyklema: a wheeled wagon used to bring dead characters into view for the audience Trap doors: or similar openings in the ground to lift people onto the stage Pinakes: pictures hung into the scene to show scenery Thyromata: more complex pictures built into the second level scene (3rd level from ground) Periaktos (plural form Periaktoi): is a device used for displaying and rapidly changing theatre scenes. It consists of a revolving solid isosceles triangular prism made of wood. On each of its three faces, a different scene is painted, so that, by revolving quickly the periaktos, another scene can appear to the audience.

20 Standard Greek Theater Layout

21 Parts of Greek Theater Orchestra: Literally, "dancing space was normally circular. It was a level space where the chorus would dance, sing, and interact with the actors who were on the stage near the skene. Theatron: Literally, "viewing place is where the spectators sat. The theatron was usually part of hillside overlooking the orchestra, and often wrapped around a large portion of the orchestra Skene: Literally, "tent was the building directly behind the stage, usually decorated as a palace, temple, or other building, depending on the needs of the play. Parodos: The parodoi (literally, "passageways") are the paths by which the chorus and some actors (such as those representing messengers or people returning from abroad) made their entrances and exits. The audience also used them to enter and exit the theater before and after the performance.

22 Greek Theater Review Can You List all the Greek theater parts? Explain the significance of 534 BC? Name all the Greek playwrights who s plays are the only ones we have? Describe the origin of theater? Explain the connection between goats & theater?

23 Greek Plays Basics There were two major types of Greek plays: Tragedy, which was derived from the word tragos and means goat. A tragedy received its name from how it was performed with actors wearing goatskins and dancing like goats. The best performers were given a young goat as a prize Comedy, which was derived from the two Grecian words for revelry & song Involved the chorus, music, and dance

24 City of Dionysia A huge dramatic event called the City of Dionysia brought playwrights together for a competition of plays Kinda like the Greek version of Bonnaroo Wealthy Greeks were in charge and hired playwrights who in turn gathered performers Quite often, playwright selections were politically motivated Playwrights spent 7 months preparing 4 plays to be performed in succession Termed a tetralogy The City of Dionysia could last as long as a week Tetralogy is: 3 tragedies, 1 lighter play (comedy) called a satyr play A single performance frequently lasted several hours City of Dionysia was a city state wide event, involving a lot of drinking, dancing, and other stuff.

25 Aristotle s Poetics Aristotle was a well known philosopher with a lot of ideas about a lot of different things. He wrote the first paper on literary theory and titled it Poetics. In this paper he said that a play needed to have six elements to be considered worthy of being called a tragedy He believed that performances (theatre) were a mimesis, an imitation or representation of real life and therefore should have all the same elements of life.

26 Poetics Expanded Plot (or mythos) Refers to the "structure of incidents" (actions). Key elements: reversals, recognitions, and suffering The best plot should be "complex Character (ethos) It is much better if a tragical accident happens to a hero because of a mistake he makes instead of things which might happen anyway. Audience is more likely to be "moved" by it. Thought (dianoia) Spoken reasoning of human characters can explain the characters or story background

27 Poetics (the last) Diction (lexis) The quality of speech in tragedy. Aristotle said: The proper method of delivery affects the success of a speech greatly Think conviction Melody (melos) The Chorus too should be regarded as one of the actors. It should be an integral part of the whole, and share in the action Spectacle (opsis) Refers to the visual apparatus of the play, including set, costumes and props. Aristotle calls spectacle the "least artistic" element of tragedy.

28 Greek Masks VOICE AMPLIFICATION & EMOTION

29 Greek Masks Before CGI & 3D before makeup & special FX, before audio equipment there were masks Mask Facts: 1. Originally intended to make the actor visible to audience 2. Provided a means to show character changes (man vs. woman women were not allowed to perform gods vs. mortals;) as well as emotion 3. Once thought to provide vocal amplification but recent research has shown this to be largely untrue

30 Types of Greek Masks CHORUS: ARROGANCE GOD STANDARD OR SIMPLE CHORUS: NURTURE

31 Masks Unfortunately, the true use of these masks has been lost along with ALL original masks None survived because they were made mostly of cork, wood, and linen The only reason we know of their existence is because of the masks being depicted in art and on pottery from the time period Actors had to perform in an open air theater, during the day, to roughly 10,000+ people They spent years perfecting their body language & projection and although it was the masks that showed character changes, it was the VOICE & BODY LANG. that marked the expert actor above the rest

32 Making a Mask Masks allow actors to quickly change from one character to another without the hindrance or process of makeup Masks can be anything! Today, you re going to design your own mask using the blank template You may choose a Greek god, hero, or an emotion or you can develop your own idea (GET APPROVAL FIRST) Your design must show all aspects of your mask including: Expression, eye & mouth shape Color Accessories Feathers, gems, beads, etc. You are only limited by your imagination Designs are due Friday

33 End of Greek theater POETICS & MASK ACTING

34 Finishing the Masks Add a head band to secure the mask to your head Finish any other little details (put your name inside it so you can get a grade for it when you re done acting with it)

35 Mask Work on Stage Today you ll get a chance to test your mask acting You and a partner will select a script and have a few minutes to prepare your characters to act in the scene you select You will don your mask, act out the scene and get a sense of what it might have been like to be an actor on a Greek stage.

36 Commedia dell arte ITALIAN RENAISSANCE TROUPES GIVE BIRTH TO MODERN SITCOMS

37 Take a moment Working with someone next to you, think of 2 of your favorite TV comedies. List the primary characters in that comedy (stick with no more than 8) Write a brief (1 sentence ish) description of that character & his/her traits

38 Commedia dell Arte Defined A name usually given to the popular Italian improvised comedy first recorded in 1545 and often considered integral to the origins of theatrical comedy Contained recognizable stock characters in masks & flamboyant attire, a skeletal plot with predetermined denouement influenced by audience reaction augmented throughout the performance by lazzi, or improv tricksquips gags, etc.

39 Commedia Shows Up as Commedia a soggetto, because it was acted in accordance with a scenario or pre arranged synopsis all'improvviso, because the actors made up their speeches as they went along dei zanni, from the comic servants who provided most of the humour dei maschere, because most of the actors wore masks and all'italiana, because it came from Italy.

40 Commedia dell arte The basics Actors were expected to be singers, dancers, and acrobats, for the spectacular comedic scenes were very physically demanding. Troupes of 12 to 15 actors traveled the countryside financially supported by what do you think? How would a traveling troupe of actors & acrobats earn money? Donations essentially passing the hat to those attending the performance Funding from a local town or city interested in hosting the troupe for a carnival or other event Financed by a noble of the court with which often came permanent housing within that noble s private theater when the troupe was not on tour

41 Commedia dell arte The Sets Less prosperous Troupes traveled often but still required a set, props, costumes, etc. Sets were extremely portable, usually canvas scenery, and a platform stage for erection in such playing areas open spaces and public squares as opportunity offered. When set up the stage would be at about head height to standing spectators, the players performed before a painted canvas backcloth on which was usually depicted the traditional comic scene of a piazza or street with houses Troupes with better funding or popularity could afford to rent a hall or theater, or be housed in a wealthy benefactor s private theater.

42 Commedia characters COSTUMES TO LAZZI

43 Commedia dell arte The Characters basics Commedia dell'arte has three main stock roles: Servant (zanni) Masters (il Vecchi) Lovers (innamorati) The characters themselves are often referred to as "masks and quite literally, the characteristics of the character and the characteristics of the mask are the same Usually each member of the troupe had his or her own character or mask and played nothing else However, the player of a youthful part might later graduate to an elderly one.

44 Primary Commedia Masks Arlechinno Columbina Pantalone Dotore Capitano Pierot Birghella Innamorati A matched pair of the above; sometimes separate

45 Commedia Characters Arlechinno Arlechinno (later Harlequin) -- was the most famous of masks He was an acrobat and a Zanni (servant) to Capitano. He was often childlike and amorous; enthusiastic about everything loves to play jokes on people. He wore a cat like mask and motley colored clothes and carried a bat or wooden sword. He moves very quickly, like a Sprite/ Elf. He is not mean like Pantalone. Eventually, Arlechinno becomes known as Harlequin and appears in numerous ballets..

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47 Commedia Characters il Capitano Capitano Il Capitano, the captain, was a caricature of the professional soldier bold, swaggering, brags excessively about his courageous accomplishments When confronted, however he turns and runs like a coward at the first sign of danger He will make up stories to impress the ladies the stories are big fibs and are over exaggerated, which is why his half mask has such a big nose! He talks in a very loud, booming voice because he likes to be the center of attention but if he gets scared he will scream like a little girl!

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49 Commedia Characters Columbina Columbina: Pretty and intelligent but extremely vain! She loves to look at herself in the mirror! She is a maid to a rich Lady. As a result of this, she is of a higher status and thinks she is better than the rest of the characters! Pierott and many others are hopelessly in love with Colombina. However she has her eyes on much richer gentlemen! Colombina moves very quickly in small dainty steps.

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51 Commedia dell arte Characters Detailed (2) Pierott-- Falls in love quickly with very beautiful ladies (Although the ladies never seem to know who he is!) Is very naive and gullible he is often tricked by other Commedia characters. He has extreme mood swings! One minute he is extremely happy and the next he is hysterically crying! ( it is usually over a pretty girl who does not love him back) Very kind and very carin, Pierott is not a nasty character, he loves everyone and everything! Pierott eventually evolves into the modern mime & clown

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53 Commedia Characters Dottore Dottore -- the doctor, was a caricature of learning pompous and fraudulent master the quack ; a mountebank or charlatan, He has never been to medical school (or probably dropped out) but he pretends he knows everything about medicine and diseases He is extremely fat, and moves very slowly. He often holds his belly and runs out of breath very easily The doctor will make up and exaggerate illnesses For example, if you come to see him about a broken fingernail he would diagnose you with the life threatening disease of fingernailus, brokenus maximus and then he would suggest you chop off you whole arm in case you die The doctor s half mask reveals the actor s cheeks. The actor uses red face paint on their cheeks as The Doctor is usually drunk!

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55 Commedia Characters Pantalone He was a caricature of the Venetian merchant, rich and retired, mean and miserly, with a young wife or an adventurous daughter; He is old and very mean. He is very greedy and loves money He is very cunning, will try and trick other characters out of their money Pantalone walks with a crooked back, with one hand in front of him ready to steal something Thinks that he knows best, will always try and get his own way His half mask has narrow eyes and a big nose; He pretends that he is a very fragile with old age, but can actually move very fast when he is stealing

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57 Commedia Characters Brighella He is a zanni, and is crafty, quick, unscrupulous; Brighella thrives on double dealings, intrigues, and foul play He is sometimes depicted as an innkeeper, shop owner, valet, or soldier He is a cynical liar who only looks out for himself, frequently sleazy, seductive, dangerous he is almost always a drunkard and boisterous. Brighella is lazy but can move quickly (if it suits him); He slinks without muscular effort and is always ready to pounce He gets very close to people when he speaks. He can sing and dance, and drink with the best of them. His costume is usually trimmed in green.

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59 Commedia dell arte Sketches All sketches were full of: Improvisation a skeleton plot lazzi These helped to ensure that the basic story developed in a way which would lead to the desired denouement. Successful improv depended on: the players' innate theatrical sense their ability to supply and readily pick up cues constant awareness of audience response Using zibaldoni relevant material from any accessible sources, particularly commonplace books which contained speeches suitable for all occasions

60 Commedia dell arte The Value of Lazzi Lazzi defined: Improvised comic dialogue, body language, song, or dance specific to each character Originates from lacci (Italian: "connecting link"), Lazzi were one of the prime resources of the commedia actors, consisting of: verbal asides on current political and literary topics manifestations of terror pratfalls and other acrobatics Examples of lazzi Arlecchino might throw cherry stones in another servant's face or mime the catching and eating of a fly. The ability to improvise ingenious and engaging lazzi contributed to the reputations of many actors Many lazzi were frequently performed with slight variations and became part of the commedia repertoire.

61 Masks & their Lazzi Arlechinno Finds some way to lose an appendage, usually his hand which goes flying out towards the audience. Loses control and flails around wildly like an octopus on ice. Likes to scream whenever injured or upset and continue the incredible and unbelievable rant until either silenced or knocked unconsicous. Slides across stage area whenever possible in making entrances or exits. Likes to add his own thoughts or opinions to messages or orders. Misuses props, or uses them not for their intended purposes as much as possible. Capitano Lazzo of Excuses Capitano goes into a long spiel about how he could kill whoever he is talking to, how he could destroy them in so many ways with so much ease, but there is always some silly reason why he can t. Lazzo of Counting He beats Arlecchino for some reason ten times, but keeps losing count and starting over. Lazzo of Killing Capitano and Arlecchino decide to kill Pantalone. To demonstrate to the other how he would kill Panatlone, he says, You be Pantalone, and strangles the other. As Arlecchino nearly passes out, he says, Now you be Pantalone and returns the favor.

62 Your Commedia dell arte Form your troupe Create 2 (two) lazzi for the 4 remaining characters Create one of each of the following for all 6 characters: Poses Relationship to audience Characteristics Each troupe member will select their own mask to play as in an original comedy sketch You will brainstorm your own zibaldoni using modern political, societal, or high school moment/event as your story basis GET APROVAL FIRST! You have the next 3 days to be ready to perform, possibly for a surprise audience

63 Images of the Masks

64 Answer every question with a minimum of 2 3 sentences 1. If you are playing capitano in a sketch, who is most likely to be your zanni? 2. Which of the 7 masks became the modern mime and/or clown? 3. What happens

65 1. Name this character. 2. Explain why he is standing in this pose. 3. What relationships does he usually have with Columbina? 4. Give both names of the colorfully costumed character. 5. Explain the personality of the male character pictured above 6. Describe how this mask reacts when confronted. 7. Which mask is often considered the sufferer? 8. Explain the origin of the word Zany. 9. What year is usually attributed to the beginning of commedia del arte? 10. Commedia del arte eventually evolves into a more modern form of performance. In fact, there are technically 3 forms inspired by or derived directly from Commedia. What are they? Extra Credit: Give an example of zibaldoni