AP+2014+Dramatic+Naturalism

**HISTORICAL**: Andrea Boettcher Dramatic naturalism style of theatre writing was developed in the early 19th and 20th centuries. It refers to a type of play writing that is extremely realistic (“Naturalism (theatre)”). This movement aimed to replace the “artificial romantic style” in favor of realistic characters (“Naturalistic/realistic”). During this movement, playwrights began rejecting the previously popular dramatic conventions that had made up past plays. Instead they began striving for an accurate illusion of reality (“Naturalistic/realistic”). Also, this new style didn’t just affect the plays being produced, but every aspect of theatre. This includes, wardrobe, makeup, scenery and style of acting (“Naturalistic/realistic”). With all of these changes, the dramatic naturalism period in theatre forever altered play writing and performing. It set the stage (pun intended) for much more realistic demonstrations of people and history.
 * DRAMATIC NATURALISM **

Works Cited:

“Naturalism (theatre).” Wikipedia. Wikipedia, 14 Feb 2014. Web. 27 March 2014.

“Naturalistic/realistic drama.” Drama Online Library. Drama Online, 2014. Web. 27 March 2014.

**AIM:** Michael Hauri

 With the constant development of theatre throughout the ages a new style was needed to help it advance even further. Dramatic Naturalism aims to take the often fake and unrelatable entertainment and turn it into something realistic and raw (Naturalism). This realism that arrived in the 1900s allowed the plays to relate to a broader audience and addressed many societal issues in a form that appealed to the average person. While bringing a broader audience this new style of drama allowed average to people to act on a public stage without the worry of speaking a monologue of complex proportions (Law). Not only were people able to see their own reality through an acting display, but through authentic costumes, sets, and technological feats. Ultimately, by adapting the theatre and entertainment to a naturalist perspective actors and writers were able to take something everybody knew and loved to a completely new level. Law, Jonathan. "Naturalistic/realistic Drama." Drama Online. The Methuen Drama Dictionary of the Theatre, 12 Apr. 2011. Web. 28 Mar. 2014. "Naturalism In the Theatre." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 15 Mar. 2014. Web. 28 Mar. 2014. **AUDIENCE**: Jessica Blackburn

====Dramatic naturalism refers to the very realistic portrayal of characters and scenes in theatrical dramas. The change that realism had on theatre was broad and very visually engaging for audiences. “The 19th-century realist movement revolutionized contemporary theatre in every aspect, from scenery, to styles of acting, from dialogue to make-up” (Law). Changes in scenery and realistic acting had a vast impact on audiences. Richard Wagner, a director, wanted complete illusionism and lead the way to more realistic theatre. “Wagner forbade musicians to tune in the orchestra pit, allowed no applause or curtain calls, and strove for historical accuracy in scenery and costumes... his attempts at illusionism helped gain public acceptance for realism” (Emergence of Realism). This very stimulating development within theatre began to gain acceptance from audiences and has become a genre within theatre. It was a whole new experience because of its visually stimulating nature and realistic characters. This is the reason why dramatic naturalism had an effect on audiences that no other genre of theatre had before and why it became accepted as its own genre. ====

Works Cited:

Jonathan Law, ed., The Methuen Drama Dictionary of the Theatre (London, 2011). Web. 27 March 2014.

"The Emergence of Realism." Introduction to Theatre. Northern Virginia Community College, 16 Jan. 2009. Web. 27 Mar. 2014.

**CULTURAL**: Amanda Gilliland

During the early 19th century, theater began to change as the characters became more realistic and natural seeming. This movement presented audiences with a new form of viewing experience, one that was thought to be very intriguing and visually appealing. This theatrical movement created what is now known as dramatic naturalism (“The Emergence of Realism”). This new form of theater also tends to lack its true, dramatic flair. The characters portray the events as they would happen in real life, as opposed to the unrealistic and overdramatized acting previously portrayed. Many of the older dramas were not fully expressed during this time period, because the styles were so different (“Naturalism (theatre)”). Dramatic naturalism also was created to be more relatable to the common person as opposed to the higher classes. The middle class citizens were beginning to gain more power during this time period, and it was only fitting that the theater would mirror this change. Rather than portraying just the wealthy aristocrats and upper class citizens, dramatic naturalism strengthens the power of the common person. During this change, “ The common man seemed to feel that he needed to be recognized, and people asserted themselves through action” (“The Emergence of Realism”). This change in the theater mirrored the common person’s desire to be recognized and understood rather than trampled and pushed around like a slave. Rather than allowing the separation between the classes to continue, the common people took action and began to find ways to be recognized, and theater was one of the most culturally influential aspects of life at this time period. Though typically, people just accepted the separation of the classes, dramatic realism allowed the common people to change the culture at the time to give themselves recognition and acceptance among the ranks.

Works Cited:

"The Emergence of Realism." Introduction to Theatre. Northern Virginia Community College, 16 Jan. 2009. Web. 27 Mar. 2014.

“Naturalism (theatre).” Wikipedia. Wikipedia, 14 Feb 2014. Web. 27 March 2014.