1.7 Realism and naturalism

Realism and naturalism emerged in late 19th-century theater as a reaction against artificiality. These movements aimed to portray life on stage truthfully, reflecting social, economic, and political realities of the time.

Key figures like Henrik Ibsen and Anton Chekhov pioneered realist theater, focusing on everyday life and emphasizing authenticity. Their works rejected melodrama and spectacle, instead creating relatable characters and situations audiences could identify with.

Origins of realism and naturalism

• Realism and naturalism emerged in the late 19th century as a reaction against the artificiality and exaggeration of previous theatrical styles
• These movements sought to portray life on stage as accurately and truthfully as possible, reflecting the social, economic, and political realities of the time

Influences on realist theater

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• The rise of the middle class and the Industrial Revolution led to a demand for theater that reflected the experiences and concerns of everyday people
• Scientific advancements, such as Darwin's theory of evolution, influenced the desire for a more objective and scientific approach to art and literature
• The development of photography and journalism contributed to a growing interest in capturing reality and documenting the world around us
• Social and political movements, such as the women's suffrage movement and the rise of socialism, challenged traditional power structures and inspired artists to address social issues on stage

Key figures in realist movement

• Henrik Ibsen, a Norwegian playwright, is often considered the father of modern realism in theater
  • His plays, such as "A Doll's House" and "Ghosts," dealt with controversial social issues and challenged traditional gender roles
• Anton Chekhov, a Russian playwright and short story writer, is known for his subtle, nuanced portrayals of everyday life and the inner lives of his characters
  • Plays like "The Seagull" and "Uncle Vanya" exemplify his realist approach
• Émile Zola, a French novelist and playwright, was a leading proponent of naturalism, which took realism to an extreme by emphasizing the role of heredity and environment in shaping human behavior
  • His play "Thérèse Raquin" is a prime example of naturalist theater

Characteristics of realist theater

• Realism and naturalism in theater aimed to present a truthful, accurate representation of life on stage, focusing on the struggles, triumphs, and everyday experiences of ordinary people
• These movements rejected the artificiality, exaggeration, and spectacle of earlier theatrical styles in favor of a more grounded, authentic approach

Focus on everyday life

• Realist plays often depict the lives of middle or working-class characters, exploring their relationships, conflicts, and aspirations
• The subject matter of realist theater tends to revolve around family dynamics, social issues, and the challenges of modern life
• Playwrights aimed to create relatable, recognizable characters and situations that audiences could identify with and understand

Emphasis on authenticity

• Realist productions strive for a high degree of verisimilitude, or the appearance of being true or real
• Attention is paid to creating detailed, accurate sets, costumes, and props that reflect the specific time period and social milieu of the play
• Dialogue in realist plays is often written in a naturalistic style, mimicking the patterns and rhythms of everyday speech
• Playwrights sought to create psychologically complex, fully realized characters with clear motivations and inner lives

Rejection of melodrama and spectacle

• Realism and naturalism rejected the heightened emotions, exaggerated acting styles, and sensational plots of melodrama
• Instead, these movements favored subtlety, nuance, and a more understated approach to storytelling
• Spectacle and elaborate stage effects were minimized in favor of a more stripped-down, intimate style of theater that focused on character development and interpersonal dynamics

Staging realism and naturalism

• The staging of realist and naturalist plays aimed to create a convincing, immersive environment that accurately reflected the world of the characters
• Directors, designers, and technicians worked together to create productions that were as true-to-life as possible, paying close attention to every detail of the set, lighting, sound, costumes, and props

Set design for realism

• Realist sets are designed to be highly detailed and historically accurate, often depicting the interiors of homes, offices, or other everyday spaces
• Box sets, which create a three-dimensional, fully enclosed space on stage, became popular during the realist movement
• Set designers conducted extensive research to ensure that every element of the set, from the furniture to the wallpaper, was appropriate to the time period and social context of the play
• The use of real props and functional set pieces, such as working doors and windows, helped to create a sense of authenticity and believability

Lighting and sound in realist productions

• Lighting in realist theater aims to create a natural, lifelike atmosphere, often mimicking the effects of sunlight, moonlight, or artificial light sources
• The use of gas lighting and, later, electric lighting allowed for more subtle and nuanced lighting effects
• Sound effects, such as street noise, rain, or music from a radio, are often used to enhance the realism of the production and create a sense of place
• The integration of realistic lighting and sound helps to immerse the audience in the world of the play and support the emotional journey of the characters

Costumes and props in realist theater

• Costumes in realist productions are designed to accurately reflect the fashion and social norms of the time period and the characters' social class and occupation
• Costume designers often conduct research into historical clothing styles and fabrics to ensure authenticity
• Props in realist theater are carefully chosen to be historically accurate and to reflect the everyday objects that characters would use in their daily lives
• The use of real food, drinks, and other consumables on stage helps to create a sense of realism and engage the audience's senses

Acting in realist theater

• The acting style in realist theater emphasizes emotional truth, psychological depth, and believability
• Actors are expected to create fully realized, three-dimensional characters with clear motivations, desires, and inner lives
• The ensemble nature of many realist plays requires actors to work together seamlessly to create a sense of authentic interaction and relationships on stage

Stanislavski's system of acting

• Constantin Stanislavski, a Russian actor and director, developed a highly influential system of acting that became the foundation for modern realist performance
• Stanislavski's system emphasizes the importance of emotional memory, imagination, and the "magic if" (asking oneself how one would behave in the character's circumstances)
• Actors are encouraged to use their own experiences and emotions to create a sense of truth and authenticity in their performances
• Techniques such as the "method of physical actions" and "active analysis" help actors to explore their characters' objectives and create a sense of inner life

Emotional truth and believability

• Realist acting prioritizes emotional honesty and the creation of believable, relatable characters
• Actors are expected to convey the inner thoughts, feelings, and struggles of their characters through subtle, nuanced performances
• The use of subtext, or the underlying meaning beneath the dialogue, is crucial in realist acting
• Actors must be able to convey a sense of spontaneity and naturalness, even while performing a scripted play

Ensemble acting in realism

• Many realist plays feature large ensembles of characters, requiring actors to work together seamlessly to create a sense of community and shared history
• Actors must be attuned to their scene partners, listening and responding authentically to create a sense of real interaction and relationship
• The sense of ensemble is crucial in creating the illusion of a fully realized, three-dimensional world on stage
• Directors often encourage actors to engage in extensive rehearsals and character development exercises to build a strong sense of ensemble and shared purpose

Notable realist and naturalist plays

• The realist and naturalist movements produced a wealth of groundbreaking, influential plays that continue to be performed and studied today
• These plays often tackled controversial social issues, challenged traditional power structures, and explored the inner lives of complex, fully realized characters

Works of Henrik Ibsen

• "A Doll's House" (1879) - This groundbreaking play follows the story of Nora Helmer, a housewife who comes to question her traditional gender role and ultimately leaves her husband and children in search of self-discovery
• "Ghosts" (1881) - Ibsen's play deals with the taboo subjects of venereal disease, incest, and euthanasia, as well as the consequences of societal oppression and hypocrisy
• "Hedda Gabler" (1890) - The titular character, one of Ibsen's most complex and enigmatic creations, struggles against the constraints of her gender and social position, ultimately leading to a tragic end

Anton Chekhov's contributions to realism

• "The Seagull" (1896) - Chekhov's play explores the lives and relationships of a group of artists and intellectuals, delving into themes of love, art, and the search for meaning in life
• "Uncle Vanya" (1898) - Set on a rural estate, this play examines the frustrations, regrets, and unfulfilled desires of its characters, showcasing Chekhov's signature blend of comedy and pathos
• "The Cherry Orchard" (1904) - Chekhov's final play depicts the decline of the Russian aristocracy and the rise of the middle class, as the owners of a once-grand estate grapple with the sale of their beloved cherry orchard

Other significant realist playwrights

• August Strindberg, a Swedish playwright, explored the psychological complexities of human relationships in plays like "Miss Julie" (1888) and "The Father" (1887)
• Gerhart Hauptmann, a German playwright, depicted the lives of working-class characters in plays such as "The Weavers" (1892) and "The Rats" (1911)
• George Bernard Shaw, an Irish playwright, combined realist techniques with social commentary and satire in plays like "Mrs. Warren's Profession" (1893) and "Pygmalion" (1913)

Impact of realism and naturalism

• The realist and naturalist movements had a profound and lasting impact on the development of modern theater
• These movements challenged traditional theatrical conventions, paved the way for new forms of artistic expression, and continue to influence playwrights, directors, and actors to this day

Influence on modern theater

• Realism and naturalism laid the foundation for the development of various modern theatrical styles, such as epic theater, absurdism, and postmodernism
• The emphasis on emotional truth, psychological depth, and social commentary in realist theater has become a cornerstone of contemporary playwriting and performance
• Many of the techniques and principles developed by realist and naturalist artists, such as Stanislavski's system of acting, continue to be taught and practiced in drama schools and theaters around the world

Realism vs other theatrical styles

• While realism and naturalism aimed to present a truthful, accurate representation of life on stage, other theatrical styles have sought to challenge or subvert this approach
• Epic theater, developed by Bertolt Brecht, uses techniques such as the "alienation effect" to encourage audiences to think critically about the social and political issues presented on stage
• Absurdist theater, exemplified by playwrights like Samuel Beckett and Eugene Ionesco, explores the existential absurdity of the human condition through surreal, often illogical scenarios and dialogue
• Postmodern theater often blends elements of realism with more experimental, non-linear storytelling techniques, challenging traditional notions of narrative and character development

Legacy of realist movement in theater

• The realist and naturalist movements have left an indelible mark on the world of theater, influencing generations of artists and shaping the way we understand and appreciate the art form
• The plays of Ibsen, Chekhov, and other realist masters continue to be widely performed and adapted, serving as a testament to their enduring relevance and power
• The principles of realism and naturalism have been applied to other art forms, such as film and television, contributing to the development of new modes of storytelling and artistic expression
• The legacy of the realist movement serves as a reminder of the transformative power of theater to shed light on the human experience, spark social change, and inspire audiences to see the world in new and profound ways