Commiedia dell arte Essay Example
Commiedia dell arte Essay Example

Commiedia dell arte Essay Example

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  • Pages: 2 (407 words)
  • Published: May 27, 2018
  • Type: Essay
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Commiedia dell arte, an Italian comedy genre that became extremely popular in the 16th century, was frequently performed outdoors or in court settings.

However, the more talented performers and the ones who were more well-known had the opportunity to perform in front of royalty. Even though most performances took place on makeshift stages alongside busy streets, they heavily relied on props and various costumes. The clear goal was to bring laughter to the audience as there were no TVs or PlayStations back then to provide entertainment. By observing the attire of each character, the audience could easily identify the type of person they were portraying.

The comedy genre known as commedia dell'arte is characterized by the use of masks, props, and exaggerated performances to create humor. This form of theater also made history by introducing actresses for the first time ever. Today, commedia dell'a

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rte still influences the theater industry significantly. One of the most well-known present-day groups that continue the commedia tradition is the San Francisco Mime Troupe. Additionally, epic theatre has gained widespread popularity worldwide.

Max Reinhardt, Erwin Piscator, and Bertolt Brecht were influential figures in the development of this style of theater in Berlin during the German "Weimar Republic" era. However, with Hitler's rise to power, Brecht and other epic theater practitioners had to escape persecution by the Gestapo. Consequently, this style spread to Great Britain and the United States. Brecht aimed for the audience to maintain awareness of reality and had specific expectations for their involvement. The essence of epic drama lies in its realism, enabling a personal connection with the audience and enhancing comprehension of the storyline. Brecht preferred narrating each character to foste

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a stronger bond between audience and characters.

In Britain, the influence of epic theatre on western theater is evident in the plays of John Arden. Melodrama, a theatrical genre that emerged in the 18th and 19th centuries, depicts the victory of good over evil with consistent characters throughout the performance or television program. The term "melodrama" derives from the Greek words "melo," referring to music, and "drama," denoting action.

During the late 19th century, melodrama became increasingly popular after it first appeared in the late 1700s and early 1800s. One notable figure who integrated melodramatic elements into his plays was Rene Charles Guilbert de Pixerecourt, known for his dramatic life. Melodrama, along with epic drama and commedia dell'arte, played significant roles during this time period.

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