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History of theatre Ancient Greek theatre Medieval theatre (1000BC–146BC) (900s–1500s) The Ancient Greeks created After the Romans left Britain, theatre purpose-built theatres all but died out. It was reintroduced called amphitheatres. during the 10th century in the form Amphitheatres were usually of religious dramas, plays with morals cut into a hillside, with Roman theatre and ‘mystery’ plays performed in tiered seating surrounding (753BC–AD476) churches, and later outdoors. At a the stage in a semi-circle. time when church services were Most plays were based The Romans continued the Greek theatrical tradition. Their theatres resembled Greek conducted in Latin, plays were on myths and legends, designed to teach Christian stories and often involved a amphitheatres but were built on their own foundations and often enclosed on all sides. The and messages to people who could ‘chorus’ who commented not read. on the action. Actors Colosseum in Rome, which was built between wore masks and used AD72 and AD80, is an example of a traditional grandiose gestures. The Roman theatre. Theatrical events were huge works of famous Greek spectacles and could involve acrobatics, dancing, playwrights, such as fi ghting or a person or animal being killed on Sophocles, Aristophanes stage. Roman actors wore specifi c costumes to and Euripedes, are still represent different types of familiar characters. performed today. WORDS © CHRISTINA BAKER; ILLUSTRATIONS © ROGER WARHAM 2008 PHOTOCOPIABLE 1 www.scholastic.co.uk/junioredplus DECEMBER 2008 Commedia dell’Arte Kabuki theatre (1500s Italy) (1600s –today Japan) Japanese kabuki theatre is famous This form of Italian theatre became for its elaborate costumes and popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. make-up, and unique style of music. Props and costumes were basic and It originally used female performers the plays were performed – free for all playing both male and female roles, – on raised platforms in public piazzas Elizabethan theatre but women were banned from (squares). Plots generally centred performing kabuki in 1629 and around the struggle of young lovers, (1558 –1603) Theatre during the reign of Elizabeth I has male actors continue this tradition whose union was being hindered by an largely become linked with one name – William today. Performances usually centre elder. These plays made use of a set of Shakespeare, arguably the most infl uential and on historical events or morality. similar characters that all had different famous dramatist of all time. During Elizabethan Speech is in monotone and characteristics. This type of play also times, plays were staged in special wooden Japanese instruments accompany found its way into both French and playhouses. The Globe Theatre, on the banks of the action. Features of the kabuki English theatre. the River Thames in London, is a prime example. stage include trapdoors, a section The majority of the audience would have stood in that rotates and a footbridge into the ‘pit’ in front of the stage, while richer audience the audience. members sat on seats around the edge. WORDS © CHRISTINA BAKER; ILLUSTRATIONS © ROGER WARHAM 2008 PHOTOCOPIABLE 2 www.scholastic.co.uk/junioredplus DECEMBER 2008 Victorian theatre (1837–1901) Restoration theatre The industrial revolution had an (1660 –1714) impact on theatre in the form of After the English Civil War, electric lighting and the use of Modern puritans banned all stage machinery to create visual and performances. However, theatre audio spectacles. The theatre (21st century) theatres were reopened became a popular pastime for Theatre today ranges in 1660 and bold and witty the middle classes. Pantomime, American Vaudeville from big budget comedies were popular. Vaudeville (see left), melodramas Audiences were made up of (1800s–1900s) musicals and plays on Light-hearted variety and light operas were popular. rich people, as well as the New York’s Broadway entertainment, known as Social plays – known as ‘cup and middle classes and servants. and in London’s West Vaudeville, was popular in saucer dramas’ – also became Under the reign of King End to local ‘fringe’ America during the late 19th popular. Charles II, some women were productions and and early 20th centuries. It permitted on stage. amateur dramatics, was usually inexpensive and such as The Edinburgh could involve dance, music, Fringe Festival. Drama comedy, singing, magic, is used to enlighten, sketches, acrobatics or amuse, shock, animal acts. comment and educate. WORDS © CHRISTINA BAKER; ILLUSTRATIONS © ROGER WARHAM 2008 PHOTOCOPIABLE 3 www.scholastic.co.uk/junioredplus DECEMBER 2008 .

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