French Theatre

Neoclassicism

I. Influences and times

A. 1500 - 1700B. Neoclassic Rules of writing

1. Followed Aristotlean rulesa. Protagonistb. Antagonistc. Characterd. Plote. Conflict

C. Rules of grammar D. Five-act form developedE. Poetic DialogueF. Audience etiquette

II. Playwrights

A. Moliere1. Born in Paris2. Classical Education

a. College du Claremontb. Latin Plays

3. Was to be in Courta. decided againstb. decided for the stage

4. Comedies of characters and manners5. Plays:

a. The Miserb. Tartuffec. The School For Wivesd. The Imaginary Invalide. The Misanthorpe

B. Jean Racine1. Father legal official2. Mother and Father died

a. raised by grandparents3. Colleges

a. Port-Royalb. University of Parisc. College d’Harcourt

4. Known for tragedies5. Plays

a. Phedreb. Britannicusc. Berniced. Bajazet

C. Pierre Corneille1. Educated for law career2. Known for comedies3. Didn’t follow neoclassic

ideas4. Plays

a. Le Cid C. Death of pompey

b. Cinna

FRENCH PERFORMANCES

III. Technical Achievements

A. Theatre Architechtures1. Royal Tennis Courts

a. temporary theatres2. Hotel de Bourgogne

a. used for mystery plays3. Salle des Machines

a. public theatre & opera house

4. Comedie Francaisea. most famous public theatre

& opera house.

B. Theatre terms1. Parterre

a. standing room2. Loges

a. box seats

3. Paradisa. above loges used as gallery

4. Mansiona. locate scene & house

scenery5. Widow Dellin’s

a. concession stand

COMEDIE FRANCAISE

NATIONAL THEATRE

GRAND STAGES

C. Costumes1. Men

a. Cullotesi. Knee breeches

b. Justaucorpsi. Frock coat

c. Carmagnolei. Jacket for peasants

d. Bicornei. Low hat

2. Womena. Fichu

i. Small scarfb. Jupe

i. Underskirt - ankle length

c. Levite Gowni. Tight gown w/ bust

The End