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Discover the development of French theatre in the 17th century under neo-classical ideals. Explore the influence of King Louis XIV and renowned playwrights like Moliere, Corneille, and Racine, and learn about popular plays such as Tartuffe. Delve into the theatrical innovations of the time, from proscenium arch stages to the challenges of lighting and scenery. Uncover the life of French actors and the structure of theatre companies during this era.
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Neo-Classicism After 1625 French theatre began to grow and develop. The political climate in France was becoming more stable. Previously, in the 1500s there had been battles to fight during the Civil War, meaning little time and energy went into theatre.
Cardinal Richelieu set out to reform the theatre • He looked at what other European countries were doing. • He adopted some ideas from these countries, especially Italy. This included using a proscenium arch and scenery • He believed in an ideal of drama which became known as ‘neo-classical’
Neo-classical Ideals • Neo-classical drama was very ordered and ideals or rules had to be followed • Plays were either all tragedy or all comedy • Tragedies: noble characters who were based on royalty • Comedies: ordinary, everyday people • The plays were written in 5 acts • All action on stage took place within the same place and day
The plot or storyline had to be simple • The ending had to have a positive outcome, ie a happy ending • Evil characters had to be punished • Good characters had to be rewarded • Plays that were performed in France and did NOT follow these neo-classical guidelines were often disregarded or attacked
The Theatres • The best places to perform these plays was in a purpose built theatre • These theatres had a proscenium arch • In a proscenium arch theatre, the audience sits in front of the stage • The stage is framed within a border around the sides and across the top, forming a picture frame effect
When watching a play the audience was ‘looking into another world’ • Proscenium arch stages became the most popular form of stage • They are still popular today • This sort of theatre is often referred to as ‘4th wall’. Why?
Famous Playwrights – Racine, Corneille and Moliere • Corneille and Racine were famous for their tragedies • Moliere (1622-1673) • Moliere was considered the outstanding French playwright or the era • He wrote comedies • Moliere had spent many years touring with his theatre company
Moliere had spent many years touring with his theatre company • He learnt much from Commedia dell’arte troupes • Once established again in Paris, he worked at the Palais Royal Theatre with a variety of other companies
Moliere ran his own company • He also wrote the plays • And acted in them!
French theatre companies like Moliere’s were comprised of 10 – 20 members • This included musicians and backstage crew • Women actors were allowed • All profits were shared
Tartuffe • Tartuffe was one of Moliere’s most popular plays • It was religious satire • It attacked groups who spent their time judging other people’s morals • Tartuffe is still enjoyed today
Moliere’s whole life was theatre • His wife was an actress in his company • Moliere wrote excellent female parts for her in his plays • His company was immensely successful • Moliere became very ill during a performance of one of his plays “The Imaginary Invalid” • He died only a few hours later • His comedies were his greatest achievements
The Stage • The French adopted the proscenium arch stage • Fully indoor theatres
Lighting • Light was provided by candles and oil lamps • Lighting included chandeliers and footlights • Audience lights were left on to help light up the stage • Lighting effects were very difficult • Stage was not as well lit as today
Scenery • Simple and minimal • No scene changes • Same settings used for many plays • Furniture and props were used sparingly • It was common for some audience to sit on stage! • On stage seating more expensive • Too disruptive and was abolished in the 1750s
The French Actors • Professionals • Earned their living from their craft • Companies had to make good money just to survive • Shareholders bought shares or parts in the companies • Shareholders were allowed to vote on which plays were to be produced
Each company had a set of plays it performed at different times • Actors specialised in the type of role they played, which were fairly stereotyped – bit like Commedia • Actors had to provide their own costumes which was expensive • Costumes were the contemporary dress of the time
