Theater History/test 2 Ch 9 French Renaissance

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Louis XIV

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the sun king (everything revolves around him) crowned at 5 yrs old. Created a very theatrical world around him, with Versailles, an absolute ruler.

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Confrérie de la Passion

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(Brotherhood of the Passion) Religious group that produced and held a monopoly on theatrical productions in Paris. When religious plays were banned they attempted farce, but not successfully.

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Hotel de Bourgogne

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the only permanent theater in Paris until 1629

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Tennis courts

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were roofed and enclosed, and were the perfect spot for putting on productions. Audience on one side, windows, and large open floorspace. The just needed to add a platform

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Tomaso Francini

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Pierre Corneille

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dramatist most often linked to the triumph of the neoclassical mode in France. Wrote mostly comedies. Known for play Le Cid.

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Le Cid

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play that is the turning point for French Drama

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Salle des Machines

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theater built for Louis XIV. Largest theater in Europe. Immensely deep stage area, to accommodate the trend of large scenic devices

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Jean Racine

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(1639-1699) dramatist. Admired the Greek dramatist and helped French tragedy to reach it’s peak. Wrote Phedre

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Phédre

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Based on greek myth of Phaedra whose uncontrollable passion for her stepson brings disaster. Racine was able to express his tragic visionand stayed confined to the neoclassical ideal.

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Moliére

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Part of the Kings Court. Orgon thought to be reflection of Louis XIV and court life. Louis XIV was patron of Moliere, would get salary from the court and performed there. Dad was a wealthy furniture maker, made it for the palaces. Could have got a responsible position in court but chose to be an actor instead Plays, first play The Blunderer. 1658 performed at court and was good enough to stay in Paris. Became Le troupe de Monsiuer. Was not popular until Moliere’s play The Affected Ladies. Was an actor and played most of the leading roles himself. In 1665 was so popular became The King’s Troupe. Was then subsidized by the government, and the King’s Patronage. Known for writing comedy, wrote some tragedy, and also wrote court entertainment. Died onstage performing The Imaginary Invalid

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Comédie Francaise

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the first national theater. The national theater in France

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Habitat á la romaine

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Moliere Characteristics

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1. Stock Characters, stolen from Commedia Dell’Arte. Always a sassy maid, young lovers, foolish father,
2. Always treat the ills of society in his work. Lots of social commentary
3. Characters don’t seem to change
4. Always confidants in his plays
5. Famous for Literary Criticism. Defending his own work
6. Plays end in deus ex machinae
7. Uses a five act structure, follows neoclassical format
8. Follows unity of Time and Place
9. Considered a master of dialogue