The -isms Flashcards
(28 cards)
What time period is referred to as the ‘Turn of the 20th Century’?
Late 1800s to early-mid 1900s
What artistic movements preceded the ‘isms’ of the early 20th century?
Realism and Naturalism
What was a key reason for the shift from Realism to Avant Garde?
Realism was seen as inadequate to express complex, modern experiences
What are common features of all ‘-isms’?
- Challenge traditional dramatic norms
- Break the ‘fourth wall’
- Engage audience emotionally, directly
- Flexible use of space
- Symbolic sets, not literal
- Creative use of props, costume, light, sound
- Reflect questioning, often disillusioned society
Who were key playwrights associated with Symbolism?
- Maeterlinck
- Strindberg
- Jarry
What is the focus of Symbolism?
Spiritual truth, not the material world
In Symbolism, how is dialogue treated?
Dialogue is secondary
What are the characteristics of Expressionism?
- Shows inner emotions
- Distorted reality
- Anti-capitalist, anti-materialist
- Episodic structure
- Protagonist-focused
Who are key figures in Expressionism?
- George Kaiser
- Thornton Wilder
What is the main theme of Dadaism?
Reflects the meaninglessness of life
Who were key figures in Dadaism?
- Tristan Tzara
- Hugo Ball
What does Futurism glorify?
- Machines
- Speed
- War
What type of structure is commonly used in Futurism?
Short plays with simultaneous scenes
What is a defining characteristic of Constructivism?
Theatre as a social tool, reflecting dehumanization
What are the key visual elements of Constructivism?
- Simple, functional sets
- Catwalks, steps, wheels
Who are key figures in Surrealism?
- André Breton
- Antonin Artaud
What psychological theory influenced Surrealism?
Freudian theory
What is a major theme of Existentialism?
Existence before essence
Who are notable philosophers associated with Existentialism?
- Sartre
- Camus
What is the main idea of Absurdism?
The world is meaningless and irrational
Who are key playwrights of Absurdism?
- Beckett
- Genet
- Ionesco
What is the purpose of Epic Theatre?
To provoke social change, not empathy
Who are key figures in Epic Theatre?
- Bertolt Brecht
- Erwin Piscator
What does Postmodernism reject?
Absolutes and fixed truths
