Theatrical Arts Development through Historical Periods
From candlelit stages to digital screens, theater has evolved into a kaleidoscope of artistic expression, embracing countless forms and voices. Today, drama stands at the forefront of human cultural advancement. But how did we arrive at this pinnacle? To understand the evolution of theatre, we must journey back to its origins, which are steeped in religious traditions. Interestingly, the first documented dramas were religious performances, with religion often emphasized as the backbone for various theatrical aspects worldwide, particularly in Europe. These early performances were pivotal in laying the foundation for the diverse theatrical expressions we enjoy today.
Contents
Religious Roots in European Theatre
The origins of theatre in Ireland and England provide compelling examples of how religion ignited the growth of performance art and captivated audiences. Theatre in Ireland initially emerged as a form of religious performance, with roots tracing back to the 14th century. The recorded history of Irish theatre began in the early 17th century with the arrival of the English administration in Dublin. The first well-documented theatrical production in Ireland was a 1601 staging of "Gorboduc," presented by Lord Mountjoy, the Lord Deputy of Ireland, in the Great Hall of Dublin Castle.
While Ireland may not be commonly recognized as a theatre hub, it has made significant contributions to the world of English drama. In its early history, Irish theatrical productions often served political and religious purposes. Even today, Irish theatre continues to highlight its religious roots by showcasing the Catholic appeal of certain productions. Notable examples include "Testament" by Colm Tóibín, a dark and introspective monologue featuring the Virgin Mary, and "The Blue Boy," a poignant piece of documentary theatre addressing Ireland's industrial schools, where religious orders educated orphaned children.
Beyond these examples, numerous religion-based shows in Ireland aim to reconnect with the Catholic roots of theatre. Starting from these religious foundations, Irish theatre has flourished, producing a multitude of famous playwrights and iconic theaters. Furthermore, Dublin-based theaters developed connections with counterparts in London, facilitating the exchange of productions and performers between England and Ireland. Oscar Wilde, a celebrated playwright born and raised in Dublin, moved to London to pursue a successful career in writing short stories and plays. Wilde is renowned for his works "An Ideal Husband" and "The Importance of Being Earnest," both written in 1895.
Another illustrious playwright who began his journey in Ireland and later moved to London is George Bernard Shaw. Shaw is best known for his play "Pygmalion," which laid the foundation for the stage classic "My Fair Lady." In addition to these renowned playwrights, Ireland introduced the Abbey Theatre into its cultural landscape in 1904. Despite facing challenges such as fire and relocation, the theatre's mission remains unchanged: "The Abbey Theatre sponsors and promotes excellent Irish artists, who go on to create world-class Irish Theatre" (Roake).
As popular audiences grew and more theaters opened, Ireland began exploring a diverse range of entertainment. Irish theatre, which began as religious performance, eventually transformed the country into a vibrant hub for drama. Similarly, theatre in England developed from medieval Miracle Plays and Mystery Plays, which centered around Christian themes and were often performed at religious festivals. One surviving work of literature from the Middle Cornish period is "An Ordinale Kernewek," a 9,000-line religious composition from around 1400.
The English Theatre Renaissance
Most dramas from this era were primarily religious in nature. Liturgical Dramas, performed between 975 and 1500, were written in Latin and focused on Bible stories. These plays were typically performed by priests or church members but were not an integral part of standard church services. Miracle Plays, on the other hand, depicted the lives of saints, emphasizing their miracles and martyrdom. These plays often included sensational elements, such as the sexualization of saintly figures, especially female saints, in scenes of martyrdom. Popular saints depicted in these plays included Saint Nicholas, Mary Magdalen, and Saint Sebastian.
Similarly, Mystery Plays were performed in episodic form, outdoors around towns, and could last up to sixteen hours. These performances were known for their graphic depictions of events, including visual representations of Jesus's crucifixion. These religious dramas underscore the significant role of the Catholic Church as the backbone of drama in Europe. Theatre in England may have begun as simple religious performances, but from these origins emerged a burgeoning number of playwrights and theaters that continued to nurture cultural appreciation.
The divergence between religion and theatre began when Hrotsvitha, a pioneering female dramatist and former nun, wrote non-liturgical plays based on Terence's works in the 10th century. By 1296, theatre had evolved with the emergence of Mummers' plays, a form of street performance associated with Morris dance and often performed during Christmas. These plays were folktales retelling old stories, and actors traveled across towns, performing in exchange for hospitality and financial support. Playwrights like Ben Jonson, known for works such as "Volpone" and "The Alchemist," joined the theatrical world. Jonson was an early modern playwright whose popularity rivaled that of Shakespeare and wrote "masques" in which the Queen of England and Prince of Wales performed.
In addition to new playwrights, many theaters were constructed throughout England to make theatre more accessible. Two theaters, in particular, played a significant role in shaping the theatre scene in England: The Rose Theatre and The Globe Theatre. The Rose Theatre, built in 1587 by Philip Henslowe and John Cholmley, was home to The Admiral's Men, a competitive acting company that performed Christopher Marlowe's plays. It was the first Elizabethan theater on Bankside and where the famous William Shakespeare began his career. The Globe Theatre, built in 1599 by Shakespeare's acting company, was eventually demolished in 1644 but was reconstructed in 1997 as 'Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.' This open-air, polygonal amphitheater rose three stories high with a diameter of approximately 100 feet, accommodating up to 3,000 spectators. The theater's design allowed for a broader audience to experience drama, making theatre more universally accessible.
The Modern Theatre Landscape
The theatre we know today is the result of centuries of evolution and transformation. Dramas initially served as religious practices, reenacting Bible stories long before they became a form of entertainment. Religions, particularly Catholicism, utilized plays within the church setting for select audiences. However, this form of theatre was limited, as it conveyed specific narratives intended to teach religious doctrine. Recognizing the need for broader appeal, more theaters were built, and more playwrights emerged, allowing drama to spread across Europe and eventually the world.
Theatre quickly became an integral part of culture as it became more accessible and explored a broader range of themes and styles. While dramas continued to be used for religious purposes, the expansion of storytelling through theatre attracted larger and more diverse audiences. This evolution eventually led to the theatre we enjoy today, whether on stage or screen. Rooted in religion, drama has become a central element of human culture, evolving significantly over the centuries to adapt to changing times.
In conclusion, the evolution of theatre from its religious origins in both Ireland and England to its current diverse and dynamic form highlights the enduring relationship between religion and drama. Renaissance theatre emerged from medieval traditions such as mystery plays and miracle plays, which were integral to religious festivals in England during the Middle Ages. In Ireland, performances of religious themes can be traced back to the 14th century and continued throughout the country's history. As audiences embraced this form of storytelling, more auditoriums and performance halls were constructed to foster the growth of this art form. Alongside new theaters, a multitude of famous playwrights emerged to fill these venues with diverse shows, broadening the range of genres beyond the religious-centered plays of the church. Theatre quickly attracted diverse audiences and, stemming from its religious roots, became a focal point in society. The rich tapestry of theatre's evolution demonstrates its enduring impact on culture and society, reflecting both its historical significance and its continued relevance today.
Theatrical Arts Development Through Historical Periods. (2020, Apr 06). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/catholicism-alongside-theatre-in-ireland-and-england/