THE EVOLUTION OF THEATRE

Beginning of Theatre

Ancient Greece

The original nature of Greek drama

The original religious nature of Greek drama made audiences particularly receptive to
the cosmic themes presented in classical tragedy. Greek actors performed in masks
and stylized costumes . The chorus remained in the orchestra throughout the play ,
performing intricate dances and chants while commenting on the dramatic action
taking place on the proskenion .

The years from the decline of classical Greece

The years from the decline of classical Greece through the Hellenistic period to the
Roman era saw the erosion of serious drama and a corresponding increase in the
architectural grandeur of theaters .

Evolution of Theatre

Ancient Rome and Early Christian Era

Roman audiences :
Roman audiences never evinced an interes in serious drama but accepted romantic
comedy as long as it included an element of farce .

Actors position in the society .

While Greek actors were highly respected , their Roman counterparts were originally
slaves . Although position of Roman actors had improved by the 1st century. Later
Christian antipathy on the stage led to the view of the actor as a social outcast.

Medieval Theater

Drama returned to the western world in the form of the mystery and miracle plays :

In the 9th century , drama returned to the Western world in the form of the mystery
and miracle plays , which were performed in churches . Usually stories from the
Bible.

Plays moved to the streets :

Later these plays were moved out of the church into the street , where the platform
sets were arranged around an area in which the audience could stand or move from
place to place in a prescribed order .

Renaissance Theaters

Italy
Italians introduced painted perspective scenery , first outlined in the tratised
Architettura of Sebastiano Serlio
Spain :
The Spanish theater developed in the corral or courtyard of various large buildings ,
where plays were originally performed . These theaters offered greater flexibility of
movement .

England :
English theaters never indulged in the architectural extravaganzas that proloferated on
the continent .

Theaters in Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries

Realistic Acting
The development of a middle class audience in 18th century, France and England
created a desire for more realistic settings and acting. Although some attempts were
made in 18th century : to combat the artificial , rhetorical style of acting then popular ,
it was not until the late 19th century . that a more natural style of acting gained wide
acceptance.

Modern Theater
Twentieth-Century Theaters

Smaller Independent Theaters

Smaller independent theaters were prevalent in the early 20th century. Concurrently,
anti-realistic expressionist and symbolic movements in theater were developing.

Theatre developments since World War II

Theoretical developments since World War II , especially in noncommercial theater

have brought the stage more in contact with the audience. Theater in the round
became popular at American universities in the 1930s and in the 1950s .

In conclusion , theater as an art and entertainment form has undergone tremendous

reforms in terms of performance style, subject matter and reception from audiences in
different cultures.