Realism in Theatre.
Historical: Realism as a form developed during the last part of the 19th century. It originated from Romanticism, which focused on feelings rather than a strict form. Politically, individuals were engaged in battles to win their freedom of expression. This focus on the democratic individual can be seen in the on individual in the form of realism. .
Intellectual & Social Concerns: The focus on individuality went along with the sense of human equality and uniqueness. In early Greek theatre the character was seen as an individual at the mercy of the gods. With the advent of Realism the characters became a part of society and had the power to change and manipulate their destiny. Society was seen as having to conform to the individual and not the individual being restricted forever by society.
Intrinsic Demands:.
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Form: The form of realism comes from the actor focusing on freedom of self expression and removing all restrictions. The importance of the concept of freedom has been seen in the use of "free" in the title of many early theatre companies. Early realistic plays tended to be written in a three-act, "well-made" form, which involved horizontal plot dealing with the issues of the individual in a given society. Exposition was distributed throughout the play rather than all at the beginning, and the story focused on individuals in a family unit rather than an individual in a public setting. .
Space: The space in a realistic play is intimate and often shows a closed private space of the character. Many of the spaces were parlors, apartments, or kitchens. All of the spaces abide by the basic rule of realism that the stage should resemble a room with the fourth wall removed. This would help to make the audience more observers, rather than participants in the action on stage. Another important part of the space is the details. A realistic space should have all of the clutter and furnishings of everyday life.