Oral de inglês:

Now we are going to proceed to the other topic of our theme: The History of
Musicals.
The origins of musical theater can be traced back centuries, evolving through
various forms of entertainment and cultural influences. I’m going to present a
brief history of how musicals emerged.
Ancient Roots:
The roots of musical theater date back to ancient civilizations like Greece,
where theatrical performances incorporated music, dance, and dialogue. Greek
dramas often included choral odes and musical elements.
Medieval and Renaissance Theater:
In the Middle Ages and Renaissance eras, religious dramas like mystery and
miracle plays were performed in churches and town squares. These productions
combined storytelling with music, song, and spectacle to convey religious stories
to the masses.
Commedia dell'arte and Intermezzi:
In Italy during the 16th century, commedia dell'arte troupes entertained
audiences with improvised comedy performances that incorporated music,
dance, and stock characters. Intermezzi, short musical pieces performed
between acts of plays, also gained popularity during this time.
Opera:
The emergence of opera in the late 16th and early 17th centuries marked a
significant development in musical theater. Composers like Claudio Monteverdi
created works that combined singing, music, elaborate staging, and storytelling,
laying the foundation for the integration of music and drama.
English Ballad Opera and Burlesque:
In England during the 18th century, ballad operas emerged as a form of
musical entertainment. Works like John Gay's "The Beggar's Opera" combined
popular tunes with new lyrics, often satirizing social issues. Burlesque shows
also incorporated music, dance, and comedy.
 American Musical Theater:
American musical theater began to take shape in the mid-19th century with
minstrel shows, which featured songs, comedy, and dance performances. These
shows, however, often involved racist caricatures and stereotypes.
Operettas and Revues:
Operettas, lighter operatic works with spoken dialogue, gained popularity in
the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Composers like Gilbert and Sullivan
produced comedic operettas such as "The Mikado" and "The Pirates of
Penzance." Meanwhile, revues showcased a series of unrelated sketches, songs,
and dance numbers.
The Golden Age of Musicals:
The early to mid-20th century saw the emergence of what is often referred to
as the "Golden Age" of musicals. Influential works like "Oklahoma!" (1943) by
Rodgers and Hammerstein marked a shift towards integrated storytelling, where
music, lyrics, and plot were intertwined seamlessly.
Contemporary Musicals:
In more recent decades, musicals have continued to evolve, exploring diverse
themes, styles, and storytelling techniques. Modern productions have
showcased a wide range of genres, from rock and pop to hip-hop and
experimental theater, pushing the boundaries of traditional musical theater
conventions.
Throughout its history, musical theater has undergone a continuous
evolution, drawing from various cultural, artistic, and theatrical traditions to
become the vibrant and diverse art form it is today.
 What’s the intention of musicals?
Musicals are a unique form of storytelling that blend music, song, dance, and
dialogue to entertain, enlighten, and emotionally engage audiences. The
intentions behind creating musicals are multifaceted, combining various artistic
and narrative elements to achieve several objectives:
Entertainment: Musicals aim to entertain audiences by offering a vibrant and
engaging experience. The integration of music, catchy tunes, choreography, and
theatrical elements creates an immersive and enjoyable spectacle.
Emotional Connection: Through music and lyrics, musicals evoke emotions,
allowing audiences to connect with the characters and their stories on a deeper
level. Songs often express feelings, desires, and conflicts in a way that resonates
with viewers, eliciting empathy and understanding.
Storytelling: Musicals use the power of music and theatrical performance to
tell stories in a compelling and memorable way. The narrative, characters, and
themes are brought to life through song and dance, enhancing the storytelling
experience.
Exploration of Themes: Musicals often explore universal themes such as love,
friendship, identity, social issues, and personal growth. They provide a platform
to delve into these themes, offering insights, perspectives, and sometimes even
social commentary.
Artistic Expression: Musical theater serves as a platform for artistic
expression, allowing creators, composers, writers, choreographers, and
performers to showcase their talents. It's an opportunity to experiment with
different styles, techniques, and forms of expression.
Cultural Impact: Musicals can have a significant cultural impact, influencing
trends in music, fashion, and theater. Iconic musicals often become ingrained in
popular culture, leaving a lasting legacy that transcends generations.
Engagement and Connection: Live performances foster a unique connection
between performers and audiences. The energy, spontaneity, and shared
experience of witnessing a live musical can create a sense of community and
connection among attendees.
Prologue with rules for the construction of musicals
In the world of musical theater, the construction of a successful musical often
follows a set of guidelines and principles. We are going to present now a
prologue outlining some "rules" or considerations for constructing a compelling
musical:
Rule 1: The Heartbeat of the Story
Every great musical is born from a compelling narrative. The storyline must
pulsate with depth, engaging characters, and a journey that resonates. Whether
adapting from literature, history, or original concepts, the core narrative drives
the emotional rhythm of the entire production.
Rule 2: A Symphony of Lyrics and Music
In this theatrical symphony, lyrics and melodies are the notes that craft the
score. Songs should serve the story, evoking emotions and propelling the plot.
The marriage of catchy tunes and poignant lyrics creates the rhythm that echoes
in the hearts of the audience.
Rule 3: Pacing and Flow
The pacing of a musical is akin to a delicate dance. The rise and fall of tempo,
the interplay of high-energy numbers and tender ballads, orchestrate the ebb
and flow of emotions. Seamless transitions and a balanced sequence of musical
numbers maintain the audience's engagement.
Rule 4: The Choreography of Emotions
Movement becomes poetry on the stage. Choreography embodies the
emotions expressed through song, enhancing the storytelling. Every step, every
gesture, harmonizes with the music to paint a visual symphony that captivates
the audience.
Rule 5: Character Development in Song
Songs become the window into a character's soul. Each musical piece should
serve not only to entertain but to deepen the understanding of characters, their
motivations, conflicts, and growth throughout the story.
 Rule 6: The Stage as Canvas
The set design, lighting, costumes, and props compose the canvas upon which
this theatrical opus unfolds. These elements create atmospheres, transport
audiences to different worlds, and enhance the emotional impact of the
narrative.
Rule 7: The Overture and Finale
The opening sets the tone, introducing themes and melodies that weave
through the production. The finale, a grand crescendo, should resonate, leaving
the audience with a lasting emotional impression and a harmonious resolution.
While these "rules" serve as guiding principles, the beauty of artistic creation
often lies in bending or breaking them to suit the unique narrative and creative
vision of each musical endeavor.
Musicals per stages of english:
Beowulf , minuto 4-6 +/-
We can see by his portrait that he has animal features (in his face mainly), the
colour red can also be related to the hell, since he is evil. However he shows
human emotions, like aggression, which is obvious in this video where he talks
with no mercy. He also shows no remorse and represents the marauding
invaders of the time period in Britain who are merciless and who seek to satisfy
their own needs (invades at night).
This elements can be seen in the excerpt, the low light contributes to a darker
environment which can refer to the Hell. The people dancing can be seen as the
darkness that consumes him and the music is propitious and envolves this deep
and heavy ambient.
Camelot (wrote in the 12th century by a French poet)
The musical sum up the idea of Camelot as an idealized kingdom ruled by
King Arthur, known for its ideals of chivalry, justice, and the pursuit of noble
virtues. This concept is derived from the original Arthurian texts, where Camelot
serves as Arthur's seat of power and the center of his courtly endeavors. It is
seen as a utopic kingdom where the happily ever afters exist.
Romeo and Juliet
The musical at Seymour Centre maintain the fundamental elements of
Shakespeare's original play, as we see by the themes of love, conflict, and fate
that are central as they were in the Middle English Stage. The characters,
including the passionate Romeo and Juliet, the feuding families of Montague
and Capulet, and the supportive yet conflicted Friar Laurence, are recognizable
in both versions.
The musical uses contemporary language and musical styles, but it still
captures the essence of the Elizabethan tragedy. The core narrative and
emotional depth of the original Middle English work persist and it's through
these timeless elements that adaptations can successfully bridge the gap
between the historical context of Shakespeare's era and the present day.