2.6 Realist and Naturalist theater

Realist and Naturalist theater emerged in the mid-19th century, challenging the idealized portrayals of Romantic drama. These movements aimed to depict everyday life authentically, focusing on ordinary people and contemporary social issues.

Key figures like Ibsen, Strindberg, and Chekhov revolutionized theater with psychologically complex characters and realistic dialogue. Naturalism intensified Realist principles, emphasizing determinism and scientific objectivity in portraying human behavior and societal struggles.

Origins of Realist theater

• Emerged in the mid-19th century as a reaction against the artificiality and idealization of Romantic theater
• Aimed to depict life as it was, focusing on the everyday experiences of ordinary people
• Influenced by scientific advancements, social changes, and the rise of the middle class in Europe

Key playwrights in Realist theater

Henrik Ibsen's contributions

Top images from around the web for Henrik Ibsen's contributions

• 

  Henrik Ibsen - Wikisource View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Top 10 Plays for Newcomers to the Theater View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  A Doll's House at The Lowry | Library Theatre Manchester | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Henrik Ibsen - Wikisource View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Top 10 Plays for Newcomers to the Theater View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Henrik Ibsen's contributions

• 

  Henrik Ibsen - Wikisource View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Top 10 Plays for Newcomers to the Theater View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  A Doll's House at The Lowry | Library Theatre Manchester | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Henrik Ibsen - Wikisource View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Top 10 Plays for Newcomers to the Theater View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Norwegian playwright considered the "father of modern drama" and a pioneer of Realist theater
• Plays such as "A Doll's House" (1879) and "Ghosts" (1881) challenged societal norms and gender roles
• Introduced the concept of the "well-made play," featuring a tight structure, realistic dialogue, and a focus on contemporary issues
• Explored themes of individual freedom, moral responsibility, and the consequences of societal pressures

August Strindberg's innovations

• Swedish playwright and novelist known for his psychologically complex and often autobiographical works
• Plays like "Miss Julie" (1888) and "The Father" (1887) delved into the power dynamics between men and women
• Experimented with naturalistic staging, minimalistic sets, and a heightened sense of realism in his productions
• Influenced the development of Expressionist theater with his later, more experimental plays

Anton Chekhov's influence

• Russian playwright and short story writer renowned for his subtle, nuanced depictions of human relationships
• Plays such as "The Seagull" (1896), "Uncle Vanya" (1899), and "The Cherry Orchard" (1904) captured the complexities of everyday life
• Introduced the concept of "subtext," where characters' true feelings and motivations are revealed through indirect dialogue and actions
• Influenced the development of the "slice of life" genre and the use of ensemble casts in modern theater

Characteristics of Realist plays

Focus on everyday life

• Realist plays depict the lives of ordinary people, often from the middle or working class
• Emphasis on authentic, relatable situations and conflicts rather than grand, heroic narratives
• Attention to the details of daily life, including costumes, sets, and props that accurately reflect the time period and social milieu

Emphasis on social issues

• Realist theater often addresses contemporary social, political, and economic issues
• Plays explore themes such as class inequality, gender roles, marriage, and the impact of industrialization on society
• Aim to raise awareness and provoke discussion about societal problems and the need for change

Psychological depth of characters

• Realist playwrights strive to create complex, multi-dimensional characters with inner lives and motivations
• Characters' actions and decisions are driven by their psychological makeup, past experiences, and social circumstances
• Dialogue and interactions reveal the characters' thoughts, feelings, and conflicts, often through subtext and indirect communication

Transition from Realism to Naturalism

• Naturalism emerged in the late 19th century as an extension and intensification of Realist principles
• Influenced by the scientific theories of Charles Darwin, Émile Zola, and others, Naturalism emphasized the role of heredity and environment in shaping human behavior
• Naturalist plays often depicted the struggles of marginalized or lower-class characters, highlighting the harsh realities of their lives
• Transition marked by a greater emphasis on determinism, scientific objectivity, and the impact of social and biological forces on individuals

Defining features of Naturalist theater

Determinism and environment

• Naturalist plays emphasize the idea that characters' fates are determined by their heredity, environment, and social conditions
• Characters are often portrayed as products of their circumstances, with limited agency or ability to escape their predetermined paths
• Plays explore how factors such as poverty, addiction, and family history shape individuals' lives and choices

Scientific and sociological themes

• Naturalist theater incorporates scientific theories and sociological concepts into its themes and narratives
• Plays may address issues such as evolution, genetics, social Darwinism, and the impact of industrialization on society
• Aim to provide a objective, scientific analysis of human behavior and social dynamics

Gritty and unidealized portrayal

• Naturalist plays present a raw, unvarnished view of reality, often focusing on the darker aspects of human nature and society
• Characters and settings are depicted in a gritty, unidealized manner, without romanticization or sentimentality
• Emphasis on the physical and biological aspects of human existence, including sexuality, violence, and bodily functions

Notable Naturalist playwrights

Émile Zola's theoretical foundations

• French novelist and playwright considered the primary theorist of Naturalism
• Essay "Naturalism in the Theatre" (1881) outlined the principles of Naturalist drama, emphasizing scientific observation and determinism
• Novels such as "Thérèse Raquin" (1867) and "Germinal" (1885) exemplified Naturalist themes and techniques
• Influenced the development of Naturalist theater across Europe and the United States

Gerhart Hauptmann's social dramas

• German playwright and novelist, one of the leading figures of Naturalist theater in Europe
• Plays such as "Before Sunrise" (1889) and "The Weavers" (1892) depicted the struggles of working-class characters and social injustice
• Won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1912 for his contributions to Naturalist drama
• Influenced by Ibsen and Zola, Hauptmann's works combined social criticism with a deep psychological understanding of his characters

Eugene O'Neill's American Naturalism

• American playwright considered the father of modern American drama and a key figure in the development of Naturalism in the United States
• Plays such as "Long Day's Journey into Night" (1956) and "The Iceman Cometh" (1946) explored themes of addiction, family dysfunction, and the human condition
• Incorporated elements of symbolism and expressionism into his Naturalist works, creating a unique style of psychological realism
• Won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1936, the first American playwright to receive the honor

Impact of Realist and Naturalist theater

Influence on modern drama

• Realist and Naturalist theater laid the foundation for the development of modern drama in the 20th century
• Emphasis on psychological depth, social issues, and authentic representation of life influenced later movements such as Expressionism, Epic Theater, and Kitchen Sink Realism
• Techniques such as the "well-made play," subtext, and ensemble acting continue to shape contemporary theater practice

Realism vs Naturalism

• While Realism and Naturalism share many similarities, they differ in their emphasis and approach
• Realism focuses on depicting the everyday lives of ordinary people, while Naturalism emphasizes the role of determinism and the impact of heredity and environment on characters
• Naturalism tends to be more gritty and unidealized in its portrayal of reality, while Realism may allow for moments of humor, hope, or sentimentality
• Both movements, however, reject the artificiality and idealization of earlier theatrical traditions in favor of a more authentic representation of life

Legacy in 20th-century theater movements

• Realist and Naturalist principles continue to influence theater movements throughout the 20th century and beyond
• Epic Theater, developed by Bertolt Brecht, built upon the social criticism and political engagement of Realist and Naturalist drama
• Kitchen Sink Realism in Britain during the 1950s and 60s drew inspiration from the focus on working-class lives and social issues in Realist and Naturalist plays
• Contemporary playwrights continue to draw upon the psychological depth, authentic dialogue, and attention to social issues pioneered by Realist and Naturalist theater