History of theatre

753BC–AD476: Ancient
Roman theatre
1000BC–146BC: Ancient The Romans continued the Greek
Greek theatre theatrical tradition. Their theatres
The Ancient Greeks created resembled Greek amphitheatres
purpose-built theatres but were built on their own
called amphitheatres. Greek foundations and often enclosed
amphitheatres were usually cut on all sides. The Colosseum in 1500s: Commedia dell’Arte (Italy) 1558–1603: Elizabethan theatre
into a hillside, with tiered seating Rome (pictured), which was built This form of Italian theatre became popular Theatre during the reign of Elizabeth I has
surrounding the stage in a semi- between AD72 and AD80, is an 900–1500s: Medieval theatre in the 16th and 17th centuries. Props and largely become linked with one name –
circle, like the Theatre at Epidauros example of a traditional Roman After the Romans left Britain, theatre all costumes were basic and the plays were William Shakespeare, arguably the most
pictured above. Most plays in theatre. Theatrical events were but died out. It was reintroduced during the performed – free for all – on raised platforms influential and famous dramatist of all time.
ancient Greece were based on huge spectacles and could involve 10th century in the form of religious dramas, in public piazzas (squares). Plots generally During Elizabethan times, plays were staged in
myths and legends, and often acrobatics, dancing, fighting or plays with morals and ‘mystery’ plays centred around the struggle of young lovers, special wooden playhouses. The Globe Theatre
involved a ‘chorus’ who commented a person or animal being killed performed in churches, and later outdoors. whose union was being hindered by an (pictured), on the banks of the River Thames
on the action. The works of on stage. Roman actors wore At a time when church services were elder. These plays made use of a set of similar in London, is a prime example. The majority
famous Greek playwrights, such specific costumes to represent conducted in Latin, plays were designed characters that all had different characteristics. of the audience would have stood in the ‘pit’
as Sophocles, Aristophanes and different types of familiar to teach Christian stories and messages to This type of play also found its way into both in front of the stage, while richer audience
Euripedes, are still performed today. characters. people who could not read. French and English theatre. members sat on seats around the edge.

1660–1714: Restoration theatre

After the English Civil War, puritans banned
all stage performances. However, theatres
were reopened in 1660 and bold and witty
comedies were popular. Audiences were
made up of rich people, as well as the middle
classes and servants. Under the reign of King
Charles II, some women were permitted
on stage as actresses (female roles had
previously been played by boys).

1600s–today: Kabuki theatre 1837–1901: Victorian theatre

(Japan) The technological breakthroughs of the industrial
Japanese kabuki theatre is famous for its revolution had an impact on theatre in the form of
elaborate costumes and make-up, and unique electric lighting and the use of machinery to create 21st century: Modern theatre
style of music. It originally used female visual and audio spectacles. The theatre became Theatre today ranges from big budget musicals
performers playing both male and female roles, a popular pastime for the middle classes in the and plays on New York’s Broadway and in
but women were banned from performing 19th century. Pantomime, Vaudeville, melodramas London’s West End to local ‘fringe’ productions
kabuki in 1629 and male actors continue the 1800s–1900s: American and light operas (such as those written by Gilbert and amateur dramatics, such as The Edinburgh
tradition today. Performances usually centre Vaudeville and Sullivan) were popular. Social plays – known Fringe Festival. Drama is used to enlighten,
on historical events or morality. Speech in one Light-hearted variety entertainment, known as ‘cup and saucer dramas’ – set in the characters’ amuse, shock, comment and educate. Some
tone and Japanese instruments accompany as Vaudeville, was popular in America living rooms, also became popular. The work of theatres, such as The Lowry (pictured), are
the action. Features of the kabuki stage during the late 19th and early 20th dramatists George Bernard Shaw and Oscar Wilde examples of exciting modern design.
include trapdoors, a section that rotates and a centuries. It was usually inexpensive and was widely respected. The famous Royal Albert
footbridge into the audience. could involve dance, music, comedy, singing, Hall (pictured) opened in 1871.
magic, sketches, acrobatics or animal acts.
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NOTE: ALL DATES APPROXIMATE; THEATRE AT EPIDAUROS © ALFIOFER/WWW.STOCKXPERT.COM; THE COLOSSEUM © LJUPCO/WWW.STOCKXPERT.COM; KABUKI THEATRE © 2007, MICHAEL MAGGS (WWW.CREATIVECOMMONS.ORG/LICENSES/BY-SA/2.5); ROYAL ALBERT HALL © JKRANE/WWW.STOCKXPERT.COM; VAUDEVILLE © 2007 OLD VISUALS EVERETT COLLECTION; THE LOWRY © 2004, ANDREW DUNN (WWW.CREATIVECOMMONS.ORG/LICENSES/BY-SA/2.0); CURTAINS © 2008 ROGER WARHAM; WORDS © CHRISTINA BAKER, WRITER AND EDUCATIONAL JOURNALIST December 2008 © Scholastic Ltd