essay

In this essay I Michael Clarke will be explaining the differences between the ancient Greek theatres to the modern day theatres. In the ancient Greek times the Theatrical flourished in ancient Greece between 550 and 220 BC. Also there where different types dramatic genres, Tragedy, Comedy, Satyr (Tragicomedy), usually based on Greek mythology. Did you know back then they held more people in the audience a whopping 14,000 but modern day theatres only have about 2,000 seats. In 465 BC theatre began using backdrops and scenic walls which were hung behind the orchestra. Used for costume changing. They only mainly had about 2-4 actors and they were sexist due to the actors where all male. Performed several roles for which they wore masks. Masks were large and colourful Actors wore padded clothing and shoes with large soles to make them appear larger to the audience. Especially those seated in the upper rows of the amphitheatre.

Theatres have changed since the ancient Greeks in several ways such as they are indoors. Also the costumes and the theatres it selves are different. But the actual content remains similar. Revolving on tragedies and love. Over the years since 1920’s to the modern day, there has been various of changes such as the main change in the 1920’s was developments in sound recording and the introduction of the gramophone, motion picture and the talkies, developments with the railway, new dances or routines these affect the musical by involving the form of music and feeling towards the play. Also did you know that in the 20’s post war women became more independent, advances in railway more opportunities for theatres to tour which ment that the used transport to go to the common and most valuable theatres. Now onto the 1930’s what has changed, well there was a few changes such as there was less money for entertainment. Also talkies set a strong challenge for theatre, only a few shows (500) on Broadway and London’s West End. However there was the first American musical to star an African American in that era.

Now to the 1940’s Berlin, Rogers and Hammerstein was the main duo act in the period of time they brought laughs and jokes to the theatre industry also new dance routine, stronger plots and songs that furthered the action. Dances that developed the narrative and characters moving away from original conventions, narratives linking to social themes- i.e. domestic violence, crime, suicide, racism. Therefore the 1950’s however where into the digital era such as musicals turned into films and television was in black and white. They also became the main adapting existing literature i.e. West side story is a re adaptation of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Then we link to the 1960’s which was the rock and roll era, and rock musical had came about and the leather jackets, also less focus on romantic plots becoming darker i.e. Sondheim's ‘Sweeny Todd’ and the musicals where mainly based around more controversial themes.

Some insisted that the "Golden Age" of the Broadway musical was over, but the 1970s saw the art form thrive with bold and fresh energy rock Musicals flourish, Musicals become more diverse, Black and white cast members Hair and Rent. There were many different based rocks musical such as grease which is still look at in the present day.
The musical based in the 80’s/90’s Pop influenced new scores, Larger casts, better sets and special effects i.e. Falling chandelier (Phantom of the Opera), Helicopter landing (Miss Saigon). Walt Disney was most popular in the 80’s/90’s i.e. The Lion King, Rise in ticket prices- smaller audiences. Targeting younger audiences i.e. Rent- young cast, heavy rock influence. This is all linked to the present day because if this stuff didn’t happen we would have the films that we have today so we should appreciate for what they have done.

The musical that evolve the modern day era are the musical such as Mamma Mia, all three High School Musicals and the common day Fame. These represent the era that we have look back on and we should look forward to in many years to come.