THEA 1206 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Fourth Wall, Experimental Theatre, Medieval Pageant
14 Feb 2017
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Document Summary
Theatre = actor + spectator + shared space. Proscenium (know what it looks like too) ( picture frame ) Comes from greek proskenion / roman proscaenium. Skene comes from greek word for hut or tent used for storage. Proskenion / proscaenium was the main playing area for theatre. Playing area grey back into the skene. The proscenium arch -- gives picture frame feel. Proscenium allows for an imaginary fourth wall . Most prevalent type of venue in contemporary western theatre. Stage is a few feet higher than audience seating. Raked proscenium stage (if you can"t rake seating you can rake stage) Origins in the greek and roman theatre spaces. Fell out of favor until 1952 when stratford shakespeare festival revived it. Playing area thrusts out into the audience. Area behind provides a focused background and/or backstage space. Most widely used venue throughout history (eastern and western) Audience wraps around main playing area (usually on three sides)
