Concetti Chiave
- Early Renaissance theatres were similar to inns, with circular or octagonal structures and central yards, often located outside cities due to actors' reputations.
- The apron stage was a prominent feature where most performances occurred, including special effects through a trapdoor at its center.
- Symbolic scenography emphasized dialogues over objects, allowing for dynamic set changes, while costumes were elaborate and visually striking.
- Performances relied on monologues and soliloquies for emotional expression, utilizing a balcony for scenes requiring elevation and special effects.
- Elizabethan theatre was significantly influenced by Latin comedies and Greek tragedies, adopting elements like complex plots and a five-act structure.
The Beginning of Renaissance Theatre
At the beginning of the fifteenth century (renaissance) some buildings - where performances were supposed to take place - were similar to inns, structures with inner yards, rooms and sheds. The first theatres were built outside the cities because actors were considered unreliable and actors' companies had to be supported by nobles (Shakespeare's company was supported by the king himself).
These buildings were circular or octagonal and had a central yard. The only covered places were some galleries for the richer. People who paid less (groundlings) stood in the yard and couldn't sit. The stage was placed higher than the floor in the middle of the yard. There were no divisions between audience and actors.
Since during Middle Age the performances took place in pageants, performances didn't have a beginning nor an end and the audience could leave at any time.
The prominent part of the stage was called apron stage and most part of the performance took place there. In the middle of the apron stage there was a trap for special effects.
Behind the apron stage there were two doors used by actors to enter and go out, or represented the entrance to a house. Between them there was a small part of the stage called inner stage, closed by a curtain and used as a dressing room (since actors often played multiple characters), or a part of the house (bedroom, bureau) or also like a hideout.
Scenography and Symbolic Costumes
English drama had a symbolic scenography. What mattered are dialogues, not objects. That allowed actors to always change the set. On the other hand, costumes were flashy and complex.
When actors stood on the apron stage, they were in the middle of it and were seen all-round by the audience and acted with their whole bodies. Monologues and soliloquies were used by the actors to express their ideas and their emotions. Upon the inner stage there was the upper stage, like a balcony that was used to play scenes from above and special effects (music, noises).Performances only took place at daytime because there was no lighting, and the entire theatre (except for galleries and upper stage) was open. Women were not allowed to act, so female characters were played by young boys, but women could see the performances.
Shakespeare copies Romeo and Juliet from an Italian novel, which was very famous. Other famous Italian novels were "Il cavaliere", "Il principe" and "Galateo".
Shakespeare was considered to be homosexual or bisexual because of some sonnets that he wrote for a dark lady and a man.
Classic works strongly influenced Elizabethan theatre. They were based on Latin comedies (as for complex plots, phantasms, violence) and on Greek tragedies (as for the division in five acts, which give rhythm to the play, the chorus and cathartic effects).
Domande da interrogazione
- What were the characteristics of early Renaissance theatre buildings?
- How did scenography and costumes contribute to English drama during the Renaissance?
- What role did gender play in Renaissance theatre performances?
- How did classical works influence Elizabethan theatre?
Early Renaissance theatre buildings were similar to inns with inner yards and were often built outside cities due to actors' reputations. They were circular or octagonal with a central yard, and only the galleries for the richer were covered. The stage was elevated, and there was no separation between the audience and actors.
English drama relied on symbolic scenography, focusing on dialogues rather than objects, allowing for flexible set changes. Costumes were elaborate and flashy, enhancing the visual appeal. Actors performed on the apron stage, visible from all sides, using their whole bodies to convey emotions.
Women were not allowed to act in Renaissance theatre, so female roles were played by young boys. However, women were permitted to attend performances, which took place during the day due to the lack of lighting.
Elizabethan theatre was heavily influenced by classical works, drawing from Latin comedies for complex plots and Greek tragedies for structural elements like the five-act division, chorus, and cathartic effects. These influences shaped the rhythm and emotional impact of the plays.
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