what is meant by "traditional drama"?

[hodhod_alsun]

Technically and thematically modern drama is different from traditional drama. discuss by giving examples.

What is exactly meant by "traditional drama"? Is anything before Ibsen considered "traditional drama"? For example: Can a restoration play be considered of traditional drama?

[kelby_lake]

Technically and thematically modern drama is different from traditional drama. discuss by giving examples.

What is exactly meant by "traditional drama"? Is anything before Ibsen considered "traditional drama"? For example: Can a restoration play be considered of traditional drama?

'Modern drama' begins with Naturalism, which was a late 19th century movement. Naturalist theatre was pioneered by Stanislavsky. However even as early as 1830's there was some modern drama: 'Woyzeck' by Georg Buchner is often cited as being an example of early modernism/naturalism/expressionism. So I reckon your definition is accurate, and by your definition, restoration drama would count as "traditional drama".


I'd ask your teacher for clairification. If you don't get an answer off your teacher, simply define 'traditional' and 'modern' in your own terms in the introduction of the essay.

[hodhod_alsun]

Thank you. I guess I will do what you suggested.

[Red-Headed]

'Modern drama' begins with Naturalism, which was a late 19th century movement.

I doubt it, I would put it around the 17th century with the advent of the proscenium arch, which itself had origins in the Elizabethan/Jacobean stage with its 'apron' & architectural background.


Naturalist theatre was pioneered by Stanislavsky.

I tend to disagree, first & foremost Stanislavsky eschewed the often histrionic forms of acting of the time for what became to be known as realism. Naturalism was a movement that built on the theories of realism but eventually became paradigmatic & oddly philosophical (as in the novels/plays of Zola).

It may sound pedantic to make a distinction between naturalism & realism but there is definite distinction nonetheless.

[kelby_lake]

I doubt it, I would put it around the 17th century with the advent of the proscenium arch, which itself had origins in the Elizabethan/Jacobean stage with its 'apron' & architectural background.

Perhaps this might be a point at which the theatre modernised and evolved, but I wouldn't consider 17th century drama to be distinctly 'modern' and not 'traditional'. 17th century theatre isn't exactly my strong point but in the books I've read on modern drama, 17th century theatre isn't really referenced.


Naturalism was a movement that built on the theories of realism but eventually became paradigmatic & oddly philosophical (as in the novels/plays of Zola).

It may sound pedantic to make a distinction between naturalism & realism but there is definite distinction nonetheless.

I agree with you on the necessity to distinguish between naturalism and realism, and Stanislavsky didn't seem overtly concerned with naturalist philosophy, but the plays he is associated with have naturalist themes. Perhaps it would be more correct to say that he's associated with Naturalism in the theatre, as opposed to creating Naturalism.

Darwin's theories, a big influence on Naturalism, marked a new era in society, arguably a modern one, and so drama which reacted to this could be called 'modern drama'.

[Red-Headed]

Perhaps this might be a point at which the theatre modernised and evolved, but I wouldn't consider 17th century drama to be distinctly 'modern' and not 'traditional'. 17th century theatre isn't exactly my strong point but in the books I've read on modern drama, 17th century theatre isn't really referenced.

I was thinking more about the physicality of the stage to be honest, I tend to associate 'modern drama' as beginning with the proscenium arch. I understand your point though, I suppose it depends on whether you believe that modern theatre started with the 'well made play' or all of those melodramas with pirates & evil landlords in them LOL!



Darwin's theories, a big influence on Naturalism, marked a new era in society, arguably a modern one, and so drama which reacted to this could be called 'modern drama'.

Unfortunately, the theories of Darwin inter alios also led directly to paradigmatic naturalism & theories on eugenics, particularly influencing the works of Zola & G.B. Shaw.