Naturalism: 25 Useful Student Theatre Resources

Naturalism: 25 Useful Student Theatre Resources

The naturalistic theatre movement emerged in the mid 19th century and was first introduced by French novelist, critic and playwright Emile Zola in the preface to his novel Thérèse Raquin (1867), which the author later adapted into a stage play (first performed in 1873). Naturalism demanded a slice of life authenticity in every aspect of production and is not to be confused with realism.

Resources for Theatre’s Problem Play

Resources for Theatre’s Problem Play

The problem play, or play of ideas, contains strong characterisation and topical social issues. The genre is typically thought to have reached its maturity in the late 1800s with some of the works of Henrik Ibsen such as A Doll’s House (1879), Ghosts (1882), and An Enemy of the People (1882). These realistic social dramas frankly portrayed current social issues on the stage.

Fun Jukebox Musical Resources for Theatre Buffs

Fun Jukebox Musical Resources for Theatre Buffs

A jukebox musical is a musical theatre work centring on a collection of songs, usually by a single artist or group, and typically part of a back catalogue. The plot is often created around the story of the songs. While this technique has attracted criticism by some, the shows are often blockbusters such as Mamma Mia! (ABBA), Jersey Boys (Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons) and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical .

1960s Guerrilla Theatre: Fascinating Resources from the Decade of Protests

1960s Guerrilla Theatre: Fascinating Resources from the Decade of Protests

Guerrilla theatre is a form of theatrical protest popularised in America in the 1960s by the San Fransisco Mime Troupe. Commedia dell’Arte and satire were actually the group’s principal modes of performance, not mime. At its purest, guerrilla theatre was left-wing political activism in the form of avant-garde performance in non-traditional spaces such as public parks and sidewalks.