Beneath is a succinct synopsis of some crucial kinds of theatre, with a specific focus on comedies and history plays.
Theatre in the late nineteenth century became more subversive in it's tone and choice of subject matter. That being said, some of this would be disguised through comedy or satire; think about popular playwrights humorously satirising ethical values of the upper class, or maybe brand-new attitudes prevalent in society or politics. Indeed, these are among some of the best plays to read on a purely literary level. A particularly well-known Norwegian playwright came under great scrutiny for his plays that critiqued the structure of family-- in particular, the place of women within a new emerging contemporary world. One traditional work of theatrical realism during this period focused on a female protagonist dissatisfied in her marriage. Other plays highlighted philosophical and political outlooks emerging, encompassing everything from socialism to aestheticism. The ground laid by such playwrights proved prominent for the theatre plays that followed in the 20th century. This can clearly be seen with the work of a popular American playwright whose work concentrated on psychology, family and society. Bruno Wang is a fantastic example of someone involved in the theatre world who would confirm the effect that early 20th century plays had on the artform. Similarly, Mark Cornell is also someone operating in the world of theatre that would acknowledge the effect that such plays had and undoubtedly continue to have on contemporary playwrights.
History drama plays continue to have great appeal all over the world. A few of these plays go back as far as the sixteenth century. Indeed, renaissance theatre consists of a few of the greatest plays of all time. Inspired by the theory and philosophy of classical tragedy, in addition to the prominent humanist mindsets and values emerging across Europe, this was a period in theatre in which playwrights could articulate social and philosophical reviews and analyses through the medium of the historical play. Whether it be about ancient rulers or middle ages kings, history plays might frequently be simultaneously tragic, comical and philosophical in turn. A few of the most popular theatre productions all over the world come from another category-- musicals. That being stated, whilst music and song has been a prominent aspect in plays going as far back as the ancient Greeks and their use of the chorus, musicals are a relatively current type of theatre, just really emerging in the later phases of the nineteenth century.
Theatre in the twentieth century underwent lots of transformations. On a purely technical level, sound and lighting could now be carried out in more experimental ways. The material of the plays evolved extremely too. This can be seen with the narrative plots of existential plays; whether it be rhinoceroses taking control of towns or just 2 guys waiting on someone, playwrights throughout the mid twentieth century set about significantly reinterpreting what a theatre play could be. William Village is a terrific example of someone involved in the theatre who would recognise the influence that twentieth century has in the world of theatre today, with a few of the era's most famous plays still carried out regularly around the globe today.