n this portfolio you will be creating a timeline starting with Classical Greece and ending with Romanticism of the late 1800's.
Using Canva, Google Slides, or Power point you will highlight a minimum of 2 important dates per time period (Greeks, Romans, Medieval, Asian Theatre (China & Japan), Shakespeare/Renaissance, and the Romantics/Restoration); this is a minimum of 14 total dates. Dates are your choice, but should reflect pivotal moments in the history of theatre such as festivals, playwrights, plays, historical events (wars, etc), and/or anything else that has impacted the theatre over time.
Timelines should include:
1. Minimum of 2 important dates per theatrical time period (14 total)
2. A minimum of 1 picture for each date that is reflective of that date
3. A brief explanation of each date (3-5 complete sentences) that highlight why the date chosen was important to the history of theatre.
4. A brief personal summary explaining what you have learned and why you chose the dates you chose (approximately 1/2 to 1 page double spaced)
5. Timeline should be well organized and visually appealing. The more creative the better.
In completing this portfolio, I learned a great deal about the history of theatre from Classical Greece to Romanticism. I chose specific dates that I felt were pivotal in the development of theatre and had a significant impact on the course of history.
For example, in Classical Greece, I highlighted the date of 534 BC when the City Dionysia festival was established in Athens. This festival was dedicated to the god Dionysus and included dramatic competitions, leading to the rise of Greek tragedy and comedy. Another important date was 336 BC when the great playwright, Euripides, passed away. Euripides was one of the three major Greek tragedians and his works continue to be studied and performed today.
Moving on to the Roman period, I focused on the year 64 AD when the Great Fire of Rome occurred. This event led to the construction of new theatres in the city, including the impressive Colosseum. Additionally, I highlighted the year 55 BC when Roman politician and playwright, Marcus Tullius Cicero, wrote his influential work on the art of rhetoric, which had a lasting impact on theatre and public speaking.
In the Medieval period, I chose the date of 1576 when the first purpose-built public theatre, known as The Theatre, was constructed in London. This marked a shift from performances in churches and halls to dedicated theatrical spaces. Another important date was 1430 when the Feast of Fools, a medieval festival known for its theatrical performances and social satire, took place in France.
In Asian Theatre, I focused on the date of 1368 when Ming Dynasty China officially recognized theatre as an art form. This led to the development of traditional Chinese opera, characterized by elaborate costumes, music, and dance. In Japan, I highlighted the year 1603 when the Tokugawa shogunate came into power and implemented strict censorship laws, leading to the emergence of Kabuki theatre as a subversive form of entertainment.
During the Shakespearean/Renaissance period, I chose the date of 1599 when the Globe Theatre opened in London. This iconic theatre was associated with William Shakespeare and his famous plays. Another important date was 1613 when the original Globe Theatre burned down during a performance of Henry VIII, highlighting the dangers of early modern theatre production.
Finally, in the Romanticism/Restoration period, I highlighted the date of 1808 when the Teatro Real in Madrid, Spain, was inaugurated. This marked the beginning of the Romantic era in Spanish theatre, characterized by grand productions and emotional performances. Another important date was 1831 when Victor Hugo's novel "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame" was published, inspiring dramatic adaptations and contributing to the Romantic movement in theatre.
Overall, this project has deepened my understanding of the evolution of theatre over time and the lasting impact of key events and figures. By exploring these important dates, I gained a greater appreciation for the rich history and cultural significance of theatre.