🎟️History of Theatre II Unit 8 – Romanticism in Theatre: Emotion & Imagination

Key Romantic Concepts

• Emphasis on emotion and intuition over reason and logic
• Celebration of the individual and personal experience
• Fascination with nature, the supernatural, and the exotic
• Rejection of classical rules and conventions in favor of artistic freedom
• Idealization of the past, particularly the Middle Ages and the Renaissance
  • Romantics believed these eras embodied a more authentic and passionate way of life
• Focus on the power of the imagination to create and transform reality
• Exploration of the inner workings of the human mind and the subconscious
• Belief in the transformative power of art to inspire and uplift society

Origins of Romantic Theatre

• Emerged in the late 18th and early 19th centuries as a reaction against the Age of Enlightenment
• Influenced by the French Revolution and the social and political upheavals of the time
• Drew inspiration from the works of Shakespeare and the Spanish Golden Age playwrights (Lope de Vega, Calderón de la Barca)
• Pioneered by German writers and philosophers such as Goethe, Schiller, and the Schlegel brothers
  • Their works emphasized the importance of emotion, imagination, and individual expression
• Spread to other European countries, including England, France, and Russia
• Coincided with the rise of nationalism and the idea of the nation-state
• Reflected the growing interest in folklore, mythology, and the supernatural
• Challenged the dominance of French neoclassical theatre and its strict adherence to the unities of time, place, and action

Influential Playwrights & Works

• Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (Germany)
  • "Faust" (1808-1832): A tragic play that explores the human condition and the quest for knowledge and power
• Friedrich Schiller (Germany)
  • "The Robbers" (1781): A drama that criticizes social injustice and advocates for individual freedom
  • "Mary Stuart" (1800): A historical play that portrays the conflict between Mary, Queen of Scots, and Elizabeth I of England
• Victor Hugo (France)
  • "Hernani" (1830): A drama that defies classical conventions and celebrates the power of love and honor
  • "Ruy Blas" (1838): A romantic tragedy that explores themes of social inequality and political corruption
• Alexander Pushkin (Russia)
  • "Boris Godunov" (1825): A historical play that depicts the rise and fall of the Russian tsar Boris Godunov
• Percy Bysshe Shelley (England)
  • "The Cenci" (1819): A tragedy based on the true story of a 16th-century Italian noblewoman who was executed for plotting her father's murder
• Lord Byron (England)
  • "Manfred" (1817): A dramatic poem that explores the inner turmoil of a Faustian hero

Staging & Performance Techniques

• Emphasis on spectacle and visual effects to create a sense of atmosphere and emotion
  • Use of elaborate sets, costumes, and lighting to transport the audience to different times and places
• Incorporation of music and dance to enhance the emotional impact of the performance
• Use of poetic and expressive language to convey the inner thoughts and feelings of the characters
• Exploration of unconventional stage spaces and configurations (open-air theaters, arena stages)
• Emphasis on the actor's ability to embody the character's emotions and create a compelling performance
  • Rise of the "star" actor who could draw audiences based on their charisma and talent
• Use of melodrama and exaggerated gestures to heighten the emotional intensity of the performance
• Incorporation of supernatural and fantastical elements (ghosts, spirits, magic) to create a sense of mystery and wonder

Themes & Motifs

• The struggle between the individual and society
  • Romantic heroes often rebelled against social norms and conventions in pursuit of their passions and ideals
• The power of love to transcend social and cultural barriers
• The destructive nature of obsession and the dangers of unchecked passion
• The conflict between duty and desire
• The search for meaning and purpose in a world that often seems chaotic and unpredictable
• The celebration of nature as a source of inspiration and spiritual renewal
  • Romantic plays often featured lush, poetic descriptions of natural landscapes and the beauty of the natural world
• The fascination with the exotic and the unknown
  • Romantic playwrights often set their works in distant lands or historical periods to create a sense of mystery and adventure
• The exploration of the dark side of human nature
  • Romantic plays often delved into themes of madness, obsession, and the supernatural to explore the hidden depths of the human psyche

Impact on Audience & Society

• Challenged traditional social and cultural norms
  • Romantic plays often featured unconventional heroes and heroines who defied societal expectations and pursued their own desires and beliefs
• Inspired a sense of nationalism and cultural pride
  • Romantic playwrights often celebrated the unique history, folklore, and traditions of their own countries
• Encouraged a more emotional and intuitive approach to life
  • Romantic plays emphasized the importance of following one's heart and trusting one's instincts
• Promoted the idea of the artist as a visionary and a leader
  • Romantic playwrights often saw themselves as prophets and guides who could inspire and transform society through their art
• Contributed to the democratization of theatre
  • Romantic plays appealed to a wider audience beyond the aristocracy and the educated elite
• Reflected and shaped the changing social and political landscape of the time
  • Romantic plays often addressed contemporary issues and concerns, such as the struggle for freedom and equality

Legacy & Influence on Modern Theatre

• Paved the way for the development of realism and naturalism in the late 19th century
  • Romantic plays' emphasis on emotion and individual experience laid the groundwork for the more psychologically complex characters of realistic drama
• Influenced the rise of symbolism and expressionism in the early 20th century
  • Romantic plays' use of poetic language and visual symbolism inspired later avant-garde movements
• Contributed to the development of musical theatre and opera
  • Romantic plays' incorporation of music and spectacle helped to establish these genres as popular forms of entertainment
• Inspired the works of later playwrights and directors (Henrik Ibsen, August Strindberg, Tennessee Williams)
  • These artists drew on the themes and techniques of Romantic theatre to create their own unique styles and visions
• Continues to be performed and adapted for contemporary audiences
  • Romantic plays' timeless themes and compelling characters still resonate with modern viewers
• Remains a key period in the history of theatre and a source of inspiration for new generations of artists

Notable Critiques & Controversies

• Accused of prioritizing style over substance
  • Some critics argued that Romantic plays' emphasis on spectacle and emotion came at the expense of intellectual depth and coherence
• Criticized for promoting a naive and idealized view of the world
  • Romantic plays' celebration of the individual and the power of love was seen by some as unrealistic and sentimental
• Challenged for their departure from classical rules and conventions
  • Romantic plays' rejection of the unities and their embrace of artistic freedom were met with resistance from more conservative critics and audiences
• Controversial for their portrayal of taboo subjects and unconventional relationships
  • Romantic plays often featured characters who transgressed social and moral boundaries, which could be shocking and offensive to some viewers
• Debated for their political and social implications
  • Romantic plays' themes of revolution, freedom, and equality were seen by some as subversive and dangerous, while others embraced them as a call to action
• Questioned for their historical accuracy and authenticity
  • Romantic plays' idealization of the past and their use of folklore and mythology were sometimes criticized as inaccurate or misleading