15.1 Recap of major movements from Modernism to Postmodernism

Modernism and postmodernism shook up theatre big time. From the late 1800s to now, these movements pushed boundaries, ditched old rules, and got experimental. They changed how we think about plays, acting, and what theatre can do.

These movements didn't happen in a bubble. World wars, social upheaval, and new ideas about psychology and culture all played a part. Their impact is still felt today in how we make and watch theatre.

Theatrical Movements: Modernism to Postmodernism

Modernism in Theatre

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• Modernism in theatre emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries rejecting realism and moving towards experimentation, abstraction, and symbolism
• Focused on the inner workings of the human mind, used non-linear narratives, and incorporated elements from other art forms such as dance and visual arts
• Major Modernist theatrical movements:
  • Expressionism conveyed inner emotional states through distorted sets, exaggerated acting, and symbolic lighting and sound (The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari)
  • Surrealism drew inspiration from dreams and the subconscious, featuring illogical plots and bizarre imagery (The Breasts of Tiresias)
  • Epic Theatre, pioneered by Bertolt Brecht, provoked critical thinking and social change through techniques such as the "alienation effect" and direct audience address (The Threepenny Opera)
  • Theatre of the Absurd explored the meaninglessness and absurdity of human existence through minimalist sets, repetitive dialogue, and nonsensical plots (Waiting for Godot)

Postmodernism in Theatre

• Postmodernism in theatre emerged in the 1960s and 1970s reacting against Modernism's grand narratives and universal truths
• Rejected traditional dramatic structures, blurred boundaries between art and life, and used pastiche, irony, and self-reflexivity
• Major Postmodernist theatrical movements:
  • Performance Art emphasized the body as a medium and often involved site-specific, interdisciplinary, and participatory elements (Marina Abramović's Rhythm 0)
  • Environmental Theatre broke down barriers between performers and audience by staging productions in non-traditional spaces and encouraging audience interaction (Richard Schechner's Dionysus in 69)
  • Postdramatic Theatre rejected the primacy of the dramatic text in favor of a more visual, physical, and fragmented approach to performance (Robert Wilson's Einstein on the Beach)

Influences on Theatrical Movements

Societal and Cultural Factors

• Modernist theatre emerged in the context of rapid industrialization, urbanization, and technological change, leading to a sense of alienation and a questioning of traditional values and beliefs
• The horrors of World War I and the rise of totalitarian regimes in Europe influenced the development of Modernist theatre, as artists confronted the brutality and irrationality of the modern world
• Avant-garde art movements of the early 20th century, such as Cubism and Dadaism, significantly impacted the development of Modernist theatre (Marcel Duchamp's Fountain)
• Postmodernist theatre emerged in the context of the social and cultural upheavals of the 1960s and 1970s, including the Civil Rights Movement, the Women's Liberation Movement, and the Gay Liberation Movement
• The Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal contributed to a growing sense of disillusionment with authority and a rejection of grand narratives and universal truths

Theoretical Influences

• The theories of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung on the unconscious mind influenced the development of Modernist theatre (Freud's The Interpretation of Dreams)
• The rise of mass media and consumer culture in the postwar period influenced the development of Postmodernist theatre, as artists critiqued and subverted the dominant cultural forms and ideologies of the time (Andy Warhol's Campbell's Soup Cans)
• Poststructuralist theories, such as those of Jacques Derrida and Michel Foucault, significantly impacted the development of Postmodernist theatre (Derrida's concept of deconstruction)
• The work of avant-garde artists such as John Cage and Allan Kaprow influenced the development of Postmodernist theatre (Kaprow's Happenings)

Modernist and Postmodernist Theatre: Lasting Impact

Influence on Contemporary Theatre Practices

• Modernist and Postmodernist theatre profoundly impacted contemporary theatre practices, challenging traditional notions of dramatic structure, character, and representation
• Experimental techniques and styles pioneered by Modernist and Postmodernist theatre artists have been widely adopted and adapted by subsequent generations of theatre-makers
• The use of non-linear narratives, fragmented structures, and multimedia elements in contemporary theatre traces back to the innovations of Modernist and Postmodernist theatre (Sarah Kane's Blasted)
• The emphasis on the body, site-specificity, and audience participation in contemporary performance art and immersive theatre owes a significant debt to the legacy of Postmodernist theatre (Punchdrunk's Sleep No More)

Continuing Legacy and Critique

• The influence of Modernist and Postmodernist theatre is evident in the work of contemporary playwrights, who often incorporate elements of absurdism, surrealism, and self-reflexivity into their scripts (Martin McDonagh's The Pillowman)
• The political and social engagement of much contemporary theatre, particularly in the areas of identity politics and social justice, continues the critical and subversive impulses of Modernist and Postmodernist theatre (Lynn Nottage's Sweat)
• Some critics argue that the radical experimentation and avant-garde sensibilities of Modernist and Postmodernist theatre have been co-opted and domesticated by the mainstream theatre industry, losing some of their original critical edge and transformative potential
• Despite this critique, the lasting impact of Modernist and Postmodernist theatre on contemporary theatre practices remains significant, shaping the way theatre-makers approach their craft and engage with audiences