Unit 2 - Theatre History
Module 1: Understanding Historical Context
Lesson 3 - Neo-Classical Theatre

Introduction:
Through the creation of a playbill and blocking work, students get hands-on interaction with the period concepts. This lesson uses a quick quiz to help check understanding of the period.

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This icon indicates an advanced print resource you can refer to for more in depth research information. It has been provided courtesy of Dr. Moira Day, University of Saskatchewan, Theatre Department.

Activities:

Activity One - Learning about the Period
Read the notes on this page about the Period and then try the quiz.

Historical Background Notes:

• Classicism is a philosophy of art and life that emphasizes order, balance and simplicity.
• Ancient Greeks were the first great classicists - later, the Romans, French, English and others produced classical movements.
• the Restoration period marked a Neoclassical movement (1600 to 1700), modeled on the classics of Greece and Rome.
• reason and restraint became the standard for writing.
• John Dryden became the leading poet, critic and dramatist - upholding common sense, moderation and conformity as the ideal.
• Charles II encouraged new playhouses to be built and a renewed interest in drama.
• noted for elaborate scenery, costumes and lighting.
• women for the first time were allowed on stage to act!
• actors employed highly particular ways of standing, speaking and gesturing.
• two types of drama: 1) the heroic tragedy and 2) the comedy of manners.

1. You need to bring some props to use.
   
   
2. Girls will need a fan and shoes with heels; boys will need a large handkerchief, knee length socks and a walking stick (substitute a meter stick, cloth napkins and paper fans if need be).
   
   
3. Read about the period and understand the social customs of the time, then to try to carry on in this manner. Take time to "dress" and prepare. Girls should be in long skirts and the boys should tuck their pants into their socks up to the knees. Pointy shoes with a heel would be ideal as well.
   
   
4. Once you are dressed read the lessons in each of the following:
   
   Sitting - forward third of the chair, back straight.
   
   Standing - women with feet together; men with one foot ahead of the other, toes turned out to display the calf to full advantage. Hands are always held above the waist, especially for the women to be able to use their fans, and for the men to show off their handkerchiefs and jewelry.
   
   Walking - toes pointed, on the balls of the feet; women particularly take small steps to give the impression of gliding rather than walking. When couples walk together, the woman lays her open hand palm down on the back of the man's open hand, which is also palm down.
   
   Bowing and Curtsying - women have one foot 90 degree angle to the other, back straight, knees bent, head and eyes lowered; men have one leg forward and straight, rear leg bent, straight back and flourish with the arm (possibly with the handkerchief).
   
   
5. After practicing the above movements - with "Attitude" - have the students walk about the room in couples as if they are at a fancy party, meeting other couples, acknowledging them with a bow or curtsy, and moving along.

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