Neoclassicism in Theatre

An 18th-century Neoclassical theatre in Ostankino, Moscow

Neoclassicism was the dominant form of theatre in the 18th century. It demanded decorum and rigorous adherence to the classical unities. Neoclassical theatre as well as the time period is characterized by its grandiosity. The costumes and scenery were intricate and elaborate. The acting is characterized by large gestures and melodrama.
Theatres of the early 18th century – sexual farces of the Restoration were superseded by politically satirical comedies, 1737 Parliament passed the Stage Licensing Act which introduced state censorship of public performances and limited the number of theatres in London to just two.

Historical Background Notes:

• Classicism is a philosophy of art and life that emphasizes order, balance and simplicity.
• Ancient Greeks were the first great classicists - later, the Romans, French, English and others produced classical movements.
• the Restoration period marked a Neoclassical movement (1600 to 1700), modeled on the classics of Greece and Rome.
• reason and restraint became the standard for writing.
• John Dryden became the leading poet, critic and dramatist - upholding common sense, moderation and conformity as the ideal.
• Charles II encouraged new playhouses to be built and a renewed interest in drama.
• noted for elaborate scenery, costumes and lighting.
• women for the first time were allowed on stage to act!
• actors employed highly particular ways of standing, speaking and gesturing.
• two types of drama: 1) the heroic tragedy and 2) the comedy of manners.

The Heroic Tragedy

• heroes and heroines faced exaggerated conflicts between love and honour.
• characters expressed noble ideals in high sounding speeches (couplets).
• example: Dryden, All for Love, based on Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra.

The Comedy of Manners

• pictures the carefree, immoral world of the aristocracy.
• brilliant, witty comedies.
• "virtue" comes form succeeding in catching a lover or cuckolding a husband without getting caught
• "honor" comes from reputation, not integrity.
• "witty"—saying things in clever ways.
• influenced by the comedies of Moliere in France.
• example: Tartuffe, by Moliere; or The Country Wife, by Wycherley.