7.4 Early realist playwrights and works

Early realist playwrights like Ibsen, Strindberg, Chekhov, and Shaw revolutionized theatre in the late 19th century. They challenged societal norms and explored everyday issues through complex characters and authentic dialogue.

These writers paved the way for modern theatre by introducing realistic staging techniques and psychological depth. Their focus on social issues and relatable characters continues to influence playwrights and captivate audiences today.

Realism in Early Theatre

Key Playwrights and Works

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  Publication: Strindberg's Ghost Sonata and Other Uncollected Tales View original

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  Publication: Strindberg's Ghost Sonata and Other Uncollected Tales View original

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  أنطون تشيخوف - ويكيبيديا View original

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• Henrik Ibsen, a Norwegian playwright, is considered the "father of realism" in theatre
  • His plays challenged societal norms and conventions of the time (A Doll's House (1879), Ghosts (1881), Hedda Gabler (1890))
• August Strindberg, a Swedish playwright, explored psychological realism and the power dynamics between men and women
  • Notable works include Miss Julie (1888) and The Father (1887)
• Anton Chekhov, a Russian playwright and short story writer, depicted the lives of ordinary people and their struggles with everyday issues
  • Famous plays include The Seagull (1896), Uncle Vanya (1899), Three Sisters (1901), and The Cherry Orchard (1904)
• George Bernard Shaw, an Irish playwright, addressed social issues and challenged societal norms through witty dialogue and strong characters
  • Renowned works include Mrs. Warren's Profession (1893) and Pygmalion (1912)

Characteristics of Early Realist Plays

• Early realist plays often explored themes such as social class, gender roles, family dynamics, and the individual's struggle against societal expectations
  • These themes were portrayed through complex, psychologically-developed characters that were multi-dimensional, with both strengths and flaws
• Characters in early realist plays were often ordinary people dealing with everyday problems, as opposed to the larger-than-life figures in earlier theatrical traditions
  • This approach made the characters more relatable and accessible to audiences

Themes and Techniques of Early Realism

Authentic Representation on Stage

• Realist playwrights aimed to create a sense of authenticity on stage by employing naturalistic dialogue, detailed sets, and costumes that accurately reflected the time period and social milieu of the characters
  • This attention to detail helped to immerse the audience in the world of the play and make the characters feel more real and believable
• The "fourth wall" concept was introduced, in which the audience was treated as if they were observing real events unfolding, rather than a theatrical performance
  • This technique enhanced the illusion of reality on stage and allowed the audience to become more invested in the story and characters

Staging Techniques

• Staging techniques in early realist plays often included the use of box sets, which created a more realistic and detailed environment for the characters to inhabit
  • Box sets were designed to look like real rooms or spaces, with walls, doors, and windows that helped to define the setting and create a sense of place
• Early realist plays also incorporated real props and furniture to further enhance the sense of realism on stage
  • The use of authentic, period-appropriate objects helped to create a more immersive and believable world for the characters to inhabit

Early Realist Playwrights: A Comparison

Ibsen and Strindberg

• While Ibsen and Strindberg both challenged societal norms, Ibsen's plays often focused on the individual's struggle against society, while Strindberg's works delved more into psychological realism and the inner workings of the human mind
  • Ibsen's A Doll's House, for example, explores the theme of a woman's struggle for independence in a male-dominated society
  • Strindberg's Miss Julie, on the other hand, delves into the psychological power dynamics between a wealthy woman and her servant

Chekhov and Shaw

• Chekhov's plays were known for their subtle, nuanced approach to character development and their depiction of the mundane aspects of life, while Shaw's works were characterized by their witty, intellectually-charged dialogue and social commentary
  • Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard, for instance, explores the decline of the Russian aristocracy through the lens of everyday family dynamics
  • Shaw's Pygmalion, in contrast, uses sharp wit and social satire to critique class divisions and gender roles in Victorian society

Differences in Approach

• Ibsen and Shaw both used their plays as vehicles for social criticism, but Ibsen's works tended to be more serious in tone, while Shaw's often employed humor and satire to convey his message
  • Ibsen's Ghosts tackles the weighty themes of inherited sin and societal hypocrisy with a somber, moralistic tone
  • Shaw's Mrs. Warren's Profession, however, uses biting wit and irony to expose the hypocrisies surrounding prostitution and women's limited economic opportunities
• Strindberg and Chekhov both explored the inner lives of their characters, but Strindberg's approach was often more intense and emotionally charged, while Chekhov's was more understated and subtle
  • Strindberg's The Father portrays a man's psychological unraveling with raw, explosive intensity
  • Chekhov's Uncle Vanya, on the other hand, depicts the quiet desperation and unfulfilled dreams of its characters with a gentle, melancholic touch

Impact of Early Realism on Modern Theatre

Departure from Earlier Theatrical Traditions

• Early realist plays marked a significant departure from the melodramatic and larger-than-life styles of earlier theatrical traditions
  • This shift paved the way for more naturalistic and psychologically-complex works in the 20th century, such as those by Eugene O'Neill and Tennessee Williams

Enduring Themes and Social Issues

• The themes and social issues addressed in early realist plays, such as gender roles, class divisions, and individual freedom, continue to be relevant and explored in contemporary theatre
  • Modern playwrights like Caryl Churchill and David Mamet have built upon the foundation laid by early realists to tackle pressing social and political issues of our time

Influence on Stagecraft and Character Development

• The emphasis on authentic, detailed stagecraft in early realist plays influenced the development of modern stage design and production techniques
  • The use of realistic sets, props, and costumes has become a staple of modern theatre, allowing for more immersive and believable storytelling
• The psychological depth and complexity of characters in early realist plays set a new standard for character development in modern theatre
  • This focus on creating multi-dimensional, relatable characters has influenced generations of playwrights and actors, from Arthur Miller to Meryl Streep

Lasting Legacy

• The works of Ibsen, Strindberg, Chekhov, and Shaw continue to be widely performed and studied, testifying to their enduring impact and relevance in the world of theatre
  • Their plays have been adapted into countless films, television shows, and even musicals, ensuring that their groundbreaking contributions to realism in theatre will continue to inspire and influence artists for generations to come