Discuss the influences the Greek, Roman and Medieval performances spaces had on the Renaissance performance space (theatre) focusing on the physical space, the characters and the décor, set and lighting.
The Greek, Roman, and Medieval performance spaces had a significant impact on Renaissance performance spaces, particularly in terms of physical space, characters, and décor, set, and lighting.
1. Physical Space:
- Greek Influence: Greek theaters, such as the Theater of Dionysus in Athens, were renowned for their amphitheater design, which consisted of a circular orchestra surrounded by tiered seating. This layout allowed for a direct and intimate connection between the performers and the audience. Renaissance theater makers adopted the concept of amphitheater seating, with the stage being placed at one end rather than in the center as seen in Greek theaters.
- Roman Influence: Roman theaters, like the Theater of Marcellus in Rome, were often built as freestanding structures and featured a semi-circular or rectangular seating area surrounding the stage. Renaissance theaters drew upon this concept of freestanding structures and architectural designs, resulting in enclosed and complex theater buildings with specific spaces for actors and audiences.
- Medieval Influence: Medieval performances happened in a variety of spaces, including courtyards, town squares, and in churches, where the audience surrounded the performing area. This communal and immersive approach influenced Renaissance theater in terms of bringing the audience closer to the action and creating a sense of engagement between the actors and spectators.
2. Characters:
- Greek Influence: Greek theater had a range of well-defined character types, such as the tragic hero, the wise counselor, and the fool. These archetypal characters influenced the Renaissance theater, with playwrights and actors often employing similar character types.
- Roman Influence: Roman theater often involved stock characters, known as "masks," who were easily recognizable due to their stereotypical traits. The concept of using stock characters with specific attributes was adopted in the Renaissance theater, with characters like the lovers, the trickster, and the villain becoming recurring figures.
- Medieval Influence: Medieval theater employed a variety of stock characters that represented allegorical figures, moral virtues, or societal roles. Although the Renaissance theater moved away from the overtly allegorical casting of characters, the influence of distinct character types remained, particularly in masques and morality plays.
3. Décor, Set, and Lighting:
- Greek Influence: Greek theater productions relied heavily on the chorus, character entrances, and exits rather than elaborate set designs. Renaissance theater initially followed this tradition, with minimal set changes and an emphasis on the actors rather than the scenery.
- Roman Influence: Roman theater incorporated more elaborate scenery, including painted backdrops, architectural elements, and even hydraulic machinery. This influence can be seen in the Renaissance theater, as set designs became more elaborate, using perspective and illusions to create the illusion of depth and dimension.
- Medieval Influence: Medieval theater relied on the use of props, costumes, and simple stage structures to convey different settings. This influence can be seen in the Renaissance theater, where props, costumes, and minimalistic set design were utilized to represent different locations and create a visual atmosphere for the audience.
In conclusion, the Greek, Roman, and Medieval performance spaces had a profound impact on the Renaissance theater, influencing the physical layout of the theaters, the casting of characters, and the use of décor, set, and lighting. These influences helped shape the development of Renaissance theater as a distinct art form, combining elements from its predecessors while also evolving to reflect the changing tastes and sensibilities of the time.