Identifying Pre-Modern Theatre

Question 1

Style summary of Shakespearean comedy

Answer 1

Shakespearean comedy is a theatrical style characterized by light-hearted and humorous plots, often involving mistaken identities, clever wordplay, poetic language, overly complex plot, strong female protagonists and romantic entanglements. These comedies, written by William Shakespeare in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, typically feature a resolution that restores order and harmony to the characters’ lives. Common elements include disguises, witty banter, and the use of supernatural elements.

Question 2

Innovations (2)

Answer 2

• The Globe Theatre: Built in 1599, the Globe became the primary venue for Shakespeare’s plays. Its unique design included an open-air structure with a circular stage and a large seating area, allowing for a more immersive theatrical experience.
• Acting companies: : The organization of professional acting companies provided stability and patronage for playwrights like Shakespeare, allowing for the production of numerous plays. Theatre companies were made up of builders, writers and wealthy businessmen who offered their skills in building theatres but also starred in the performances.

Question 3

Background of shakespeare

Answer 3

William Shakespeare lived during the late 16th and early 17th centuries in the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras. Amidst the cultural renaissance, his works thrived in the flourishing London theater scene. His profound impact on English literature, innovative use of language, and exploration of universal themes continue to shape global literary and theatrical tradition.

Question 4

Context of Shakespearean style/ Elizabeathan/ Jacobean eras:

Answer 4

Shakespeare was based in London, England, in the village Starford upon Avon.
Elizabeathan -
The Elizabethan era (1558-1603) under Queen Elizabeth I was a golden age of cultural flourishing in England. Marked by economic expansion, a renaissance of literature and the arts, and the flourishing of theaters like the Globe, it laid the groundwork for enduring contributions to literature and drama, exemplified by William Shakespeare.
Jacobean -
The Jacobean era (1603-1625) was marked by the reign of James I, succeeding Elizabeth I. It saw continued cultural and artistic flourishing from the Elizabethan era, with Shakespeare producing profound works. Political challenges, religious tensions, and economic struggles coexisted with exploration and colonization efforts, shaping England’s complex landscape.

Question 5

Elements of theatre composition relevant to the scene study (QUOTES)- 2 :

Answer 5

Variation: Variation is the changes to the dynamics of the interpretation, as may be evident in the use of tension, conflict, intensity, energy and use of space. Variation is demonstrated within the scene study when the dynamic of the interpretation transforms as Helena requests Demetrius to use her as his “spaniel”. This change is highlighted through the comedic transition from the ominous and fantastical atmosphere to the crude subtext, igniting a transformation in the energy and tone of the scene.
Contrast: Contrast is the juxtaposition of seemingly different or opposing aspects or qualities within the interpretation and is exemplified in the significant disparity between stylistic choices of the scene. This is demonstrated in the juxtaposing ambience of the fantastical lighting and sound that contradicts the exaggerated physical humour and melodramatic performance of the actors and script, as seen when Helena declares that “ill follow thee and make a heaven of hell, to die upon the hand I love so well” that connotates serious emotion but is instead performed melodramatically for humour.

Question 6

2 conventions used in our scene, how is it realised on stage, effect, which production roles assist in this realisation: (QUOTES)

Answer 6

Voice: The diversity of voice Is employed to contribute to the overall humour, characterisation and individual linguistic richness of the interpretation and style. The actors utilize the employment of over-enunciated vocalizations and vernacular to enhance vocal clarity and comedy: such as the exaggerated vocalization of “for I am sick when I do look on thee”, that juxtaposes the scripts crucial connotations, creating humour through absurdism and exaggerated contrast – this effect is additionally supported by the juxtaposing production elements of sound and lighting.

Movements and gestures: The stylised and exaggerated movement and gesture of the actors is employed to realise the comedic origin of the style and create animation that enhances the emotional content and hilarity. This is realised through the significantly large gates and blocking of the actors as they use the space, initated when demetrius charges downstage right declaring “follow me no more”. This movement assists in the realisation of the love-sick caricature of Helena as she dotingly follows demetirus around the space – emphasizing tension.

Question 7

Stage labels and descriptions (Four labels and descriptions):

Answer 7

1. Flag: Signified which type of play was being performed – black for tragedy, white for comedy, and red for history.
2. Upper Stage: This “chamber” was used for most bedroom and balcony scenes. The balcony above was used for musicians and sound effects.
3. Main Stage: Where main action of the play took place, especially outdoor scene of battlefields, forests or cityscapes.
4. Inner stage: The stage was used mostly for indoor scenes. It had a curtain that could be opened or closed for scene changes.

Question 8

Acting skills specific to the style:

Answer 8

Presentational acting: the actors were aware of the presence of the audience and directed their performing outwards as opposed to naturalistic exchanges with their fellow performers.

Voice: The poetic language must be projected and enunciated clearly. Actors often used received pronunciation to help with vocal clarity – although mispronunciation was also acceptable in comedies as apart of stylistic choices.

Question 9

Provide three different examples and descriptions of conventions of the style:

Answer 9

Set: Little or no scenery was utilized eccept for essential set pieces required by the plot or script. The globe theatre reflected this simplistic theatre approach as the several doors for entrances and exits and the three levels of heights summarise the minimalistic approach to theatre during the era.
Play within a play: introducing a theatrical performance within the main narrative. This device serves as a tool for meta-theatrical commentary, comic relief, parallel storytelling, satire, and theatrical skill display, enhancing the complexity and entertainment value while providing insights into characters and overarching themes. Such as the play within a play in a midsummer nights dream.
Direct address:
In Shakespearean comedy, the direct address convention involves characters speaking directly to the audience. This meta-theatrical device fosters a connection, providing insights, witty commentary, and soliloquies. It breaks the fourth wall, inviting the audience into the characters’ thoughts, creating a dynamic and engaging relationship between the performers and spectators. As seen in Pucks direct address in A midsummer nights dream or Iagos in Othello.