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The emergence of Romanticism
By the early 1800s ideas about dramatic writing had completely reversed, turning into Romanticism. Romantics glorified the intuitive complexity of the universe while rejecting the strictness of neoclassicism. They used costumes to individualize characters, and characters frequently defied social norms (Brockett et al. 141). -
The invent of gas lighting in theatres
The visual appeal of productions was greatly increased after gas lighting replaced candles and oil. It allowed the stage to be lit as bright as desired for the production. Light intensity control also became possible through a central gas table that allowed them to brighten or dim the lights. This also allowed for the invention of limelights that could be targeted on a specific area of the stage (Brockett et al). -
Victor Hugo's Hernani at the Comedie Francaise
Hernani broke neoclassical rules and caused a riotous confrontation. It enraged supporters of traditional drama whilst delighting supporters of romanticism (Brockett et al. 140). -
Melodrama
Melodrama is a pop-culture interpretation of romanticism. It was the most popular dramatic form of the 1800s. Melodrama contained clear and suspenseful plots. The villain and the protagonist fought each other until the very end, there was also comedic relief sprinkled throughout the play. Melodrama stands for "music drama" and productions had large musical elements (Brockett et al). -
Uncle Tom's Cabin
The melodrama Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe was the most popular production of the nineteenth century. It talked about slavery and a slave trying to escape over the Ohio River. It was relatable to many and became well-known (Brockett et al). -
Introduction of Realism
Realism became a big part of theatre and put emphasis on visual accuracy to real life. Realists believed that character is determined by the environment. They thought that playwrights should use the world around them to write their plays to make them seem as real as possible. -
A Doll's House
The play A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen spoke of social norms and showed realistic problems. It forced the acknowledgment of the status of women, and that they were seen as inferior by law. It shows how unfair it is to women that anything that is her's automatically becomes her husband's when she gets married. -
Proscenium arch stages became standard
The proscenium arch was extended downward and across the floor to emphasize the image of a picture frame. Realistic interior settings became constant and acting was formatted to those settings. The Bancrofts standardized realistic stages and made them a tradition (Bay). -
Monte Cristo
The book The Count of Monte Cristo(1845) by Alexandre Dumas was dramatized into the play Monte Cristo. This play was a perfect example of a nineteenth-century melodrama. It had a suspenseful and morally satisfying plot that was also full of spectacle. Costumes took on a major role to show time passing and economic status. It also used complex sets to make the audience feel transported into the play (Brockett et al). -
Theatrical Syndicate
The Theatrical Syndicate consisted of six men and they had nearly sole control over American theatre. They were interested in profitable works, such as productions that featured actors with large fan bases. Because of this, they only allowed productions that had high monetary values (Bay).