HISTORY OF MUSICAL THEATRE Birthplace of Theatre Athens
HISTORY OF MUSICAL THEATRE
Birthplace of Theatre: Athens, Greece
IMPORTANT PLAYWRITERS
SOPHOCLES • • 497 -405 BC Was a politician, priest, and military leader. Born in Colonus (not to far from Athens). Received musical education to better his work, and study history. • Wrote in competitions, and won 18 prizes. • Famous works include: • Oedipus Tyrannus, Oedipus at Colonus, Antigone, and Electra.
EURIPIDES • • • 480 -405 BC Wrote about 92 plays. Free thinker, humanitarian. Always questioned religions. Forced his characters to confront personal issues, not just question. • Used his plays to expose evils of his society. • Famous Works: • Heraclidae, Ion, Medea, Electra, Bacchae.
ARISTOPHANES • • C. 448 – 385 B. C. Won at least 6 times in contests. One of the first to write comedies. He showed that old comedy was changing… which later led to the end of his career. • Wrote more than 40 plays, but 11 survive. • Famous works: • The Birds, The Clouds, The Frogs, Peace
AESCHYLUS • • C. 525 – 456 B. C. First of the main prize winning play writers. Wrote about 52 plays. His plays became more popular during the Classical Period. • Performed as an actor for his and others plays. • Wrote more tragedies. • Major works: • Agamemnon, Choephori, Eumenides
The Role of the Chorus • • They told the story. Narrators. Reflected audience thoughts. Background characters.
Who was the first actor? THESPIS • • • Known as the first Greek actor. Originator of the form “Tragedy”. His importance is disputed where he will show up as the 16 th Greek tragedian.
What about Rome? • Took many of the traditions, but put them into their traditions. • Took away the morals and left the scandals. • Turned it into burlesque. • (A ludicrous or mocking imitation)
MEDIEVAL DRAMAS • • Medieval (Dark Ages) Period showed a decline in performances. Church had a heavy influence. Dancers had to wear devil costumes. • Dancing was evil. Music interludes were played between acts.
RENAISSANCE PERIOD • • “New Age” Church still had influence. Added music to performances. Turned into opera.
MUSICAL THEATRE - TO FRANCE • Catherine de Medici introduced ballet to France. • The first ballet star was King Louie XIV. • Ballet is the form of movement to music through dance.
MUSICAL THEATRE - Slavery to Theatre • • • African based and moved into America. Brought in Tap Dance Blues Music which turned into Jazz.
MUSICAL THEATRE - Gilbert & Sullivan • • • Added more comedy to performances. Gilbert wrote the script, Sullivan wrote the music. World known. Productions still used today. Made fun of society. Pirates of Penzance
MUSICAL THEATRE - Vaudevillian Structure • • Comic host. Monologue and introducing a series of acts. • Example: Saturday Night Live
MUSICAL THEATRE - First Musical: Golden Age • Separated the musical theatre from opera and created straight theatre. • Dealt with difficult issues in society. • SHOWBOAT
MUSICAL THEATRE - Golden Age • LANDMARK SHOWS • Showboat • Oklahoma! • West Side Story • Hair
MUSICAL THEATRE - 70’s & 80’s • LANDMARK SHOWS • Cats • Phantom of the Opera • Starlight Express • Les Miserables • Miss Saigon • Rent* • Anything Disney*
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