In this portfolio you will be creating a timeline starting with Classical Greece and ending with Romanticism of the late 1800's.
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.
Classical Greece:
1. 534 BC - The Great Dionysia: The Great Dionysia was a major Athenian festival in honor of the god Dionysus, featuring dramatic performances of tragedies and comedies. It was a significant event in the development of Greek theatre as it showcased some of the most famous playwrights of the time, such as Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides.
2. 336 BC - The death of Aristotle: Aristotle was a Greek philosopher and playwright who made significant contributions to the study of theatre and drama. His writings on tragedy and comedy, as well as his ideas on the elements of drama, have had a lasting influence on the history of theatre.
Roman Theatre:
1. 240 BC - The First Roman Play: The first recorded Roman play, "Claves," was performed in 240 BC. This marked the beginning of Roman theatrical traditions, which were heavily influenced by Greek theatre but also had distinct characteristics of their own.
2. 55 BC - Pompey's Theatre: Pompey's Theatre, built by Roman general and statesman Pompey the Great, was one of the first permanent theatre buildings in Rome. It was a symbol of the growing popularity and importance of theatre in Roman society.
Medieval Theatre:
1. 873 AD - The Feast of Fools: The Feast of Fools was a medieval festival in which clergy and commoners would engage in role reversals and satirical performances. It was an important precursor to medieval theatrical forms such as mystery plays and morality plays.
2. 1340-1450 - The Black Death: The Black Death, a devastating pandemic that swept through Europe, had a profound impact on medieval theatre. The scarcity of labor caused by the plague led to the rise of professional actors and the development of secular theatre.
Asian Theatre (China & Japan):
1. 5th century BC - Noh Theatre: Noh theatre, a traditional Japanese form of theatre that combines drama, music, and dance, was established in the 14th century. It has had a lasting influence on Japanese culture and theatre.
2. 1050 AD - Zaju Theatre: Zaju theatre was a form of Chinese drama that emerged during the Song dynasty. It combined elements of poetry, music, and dance, and was popular among both the aristocracy and common people.
Shakespeare/Renaissance:
1. 1556 - The first public theatre in London: The first public theatre in London, known as The Theatre, was built in 1576. It was the starting point for the development of English Renaissance theatre and the staging of Shakespeare's plays.
2. 1599 - The Globe Theatre: The Globe Theatre, where many of Shakespeare's plays were first performed, was built in 1599. It became one of the most famous theatres in London and a major hub for theatrical productions during the Elizabethan era.
Romantics/Restoration:
1. 1660 - Restoration of the monarchy in England: The restoration of the monarchy in England in 1660 marked the end of the English Civil War and the reopening of the theatres that had been closed during the Puritan era. This led to a resurgence of theatrical activity and the establishment of new playhouses.
2. 1809 - Birth of Edgar Allan Poe: Edgar Allan Poe, an American writer known for his macabre and gothic tales, had a significant influence on the development of Romanticism in literature and theatre. His works continue to inspire artists and creators to this day.
Throughout this timeline, I have learned about the rich and diverse history of theatre, from its origins in Classical Greece to its evolution through the Roman, Medieval, Asian, Shakespearean, and Romantic periods. I chose the dates based on their importance in shaping the development of theatre, whether through the introduction of new theatrical forms, the establishment of iconic venues, or the influence of key figures. It has been fascinating to see how theatre has constantly evolved and adapted to reflect the cultural and social contexts of the time, and I now have a deeper appreciation for the art form and its lasting impact on society.