To install StudyMoose App tap and then “Add to Home Screen”
Save to my list
Remove from my list
In the trajectory of Twentieth Century Theatre, which has its roots in the Renaissance, a persistent pursuit of total realism or, at the very least, the illusion of reality characterized its evolution. However, as the late 19th century witnessed the attainment of this realism, a multifaceted antirealistic reaction emerged, challenging established norms and experimenting with alternative forms of expression.
Richard Wagner, a German opera composer, played a pivotal role in shaping antirealist ideas. Wagner proposed that the playwright/composer's role was to create myths, presenting an idealized world where the audience could share a communal experience.
This departure from superficial realism aimed to delve into the characters' "soul state" rather than their outward, realistic aspects. Dissatisfied with the lack of unity among the arts in drama, Wagner introduced the concept of Gesamtkunstwerk, advocating for a "total art work" where all dramatic elements are unified under a single artistic creator.
As the avant-garde movement gained momentum, choreographers also embraced a less formal approach towards dance.
Verified writer
Proficient in: Art
4.7 (348)
“ Amazing as always, gave her a week to finish a big assignment and came through way ahead of time. ”
Unlike their predecessors who focused on conveying angst and emotion, the avant-garde choreographers injected a sense of fun into their performances. This newfound freedom led to experimental explorations of theatrical space, challenging traditional norms of dance presentation.
Questioning the conventions of music, makeup, and costumes, avant-garde choreographers reshaped the traditions. Costumes adopted a unisex look, blurring the lines between genders, while the necessity of music and makeup in dance and theatre was also brought into question.
Technology played a pivotal role, with avant-garde choreographers embracing computer-synthesized music, film, and modern materials to push the boundaries of conventional dance performances.
Merce Cunningham, a groundbreaking choreographer, challenged the established norms of modern dance, forming his own dance group in the 1940s. Inspired by American composer John Cage, who revolutionized avant-garde music and dance, Cunningham incorporated unconventional elements such as silence as a musical element and random selection of tasks in performances like "4'33". Cage's influence extended to prepared piano compositions for Cunningham's dance works.
John Cage's impact on avant-garde music extended to the late 1950s and '60s when composer Gunther Schuller fused jazz and classical music into a "third stream." Simultaneously, Charlie Mingus and alto saxophonist Ornette Coleman challenged traditional jazz conventions, leading to the emergence of avant-garde jazz in the 1960s and '70s.
Building on these historical developments, the avant-garde movement in the performing arts became a subject of exploration and implementation. Richard Schechner's theory, 'Five Avant Gardes or none,' provided a framework for understanding avant-garde performance as a blend of historical, current, forward-looking, tradition-seeking, and intercultural elements.
Richard Schechner's comprehensive theory outlines five distinct avant-garde categories, each contributing to the rich tapestry of avant-garde performance:
Applying Schechner's theory to their devising process, a group of students conceptualized a twenty-minute avant-garde performance. Drawing inspiration from historical avant-garde, they blended symbolism, expressionism, and realism, integrating multimedia and mega sound from the forward-looking avant-garde.
The central theme of their performance was inspired by Schechner's idea that life transitions from imbalance to balance through a process that involves change. The group explored the concept of purification, positing that to achieve balance, a sacrifice must occur. They conceptualized their performance as a journey from the womb to the world, symbolizing the transition from balance to potential imbalance.
Utilizing Massive Attack's 'Teardrop' and a carefully chosen poem about sacrifice, change, and love, the group embodied the journey of a fetus from the safety of the womb to the uncertainties of the world. The performance seamlessly integrated drama, dance, and music, offering a visually simple yet emotionally resonant experience. The repetitive nature of the piece contributed to the atmospheric quality, engaging the audience's senses and allowing them to choose their focus within the performance.
The avant-garde movement in Twentieth Century Theatre marked a departure from conventional realism, introducing a dynamic interplay of historical influences, experimentation, and a quest for balance. From Wagner's mythic idealism to Cunningham's avant-garde choreography, and Cage's groundbreaking music, the avant-garde spirit permeated various artistic realms.
As demonstrated by the student performance, avant-garde remains a living and evolving concept, drawing from the past, embracing modern technology, and exploring diverse cultural influences. The journey from imbalance to balance, as theorized by Schechner, continues to inspire avant-garde practitioners to create performances that challenge norms, provoke thought, and provide a unique sensory experience for audiences.
In essence, the avant-garde movement serves as a testament to the ever-evolving nature of artistic expression, encouraging artists to push boundaries, question established norms, and create experiences that resonate deeply with audiences. This continuous exploration of the avant-garde not only pays homage to the historical roots of the movement but also propels it into the future, where the intersection of tradition and innovation gives birth to new forms of artistic brilliance.
Furthermore, the avant-garde's impact extends beyond the realms of theatre and dance, influencing avant-garde jazz and experimental music. John Cage's innovative approach to music, incorporating silence and randomness, set the stage for a revolution in musical composition. The fusion of jazz and classical music in the "third stream" by Gunther Schuller opened new possibilities for musicians, breaking down traditional genre barriers.
Charlie Mingus and Ornette Coleman's avant-garde jazz challenged the very foundations of traditional jazz, paving the way for a new era of improvisation and exploration. Their daring atonal improvisations and rejection of conventional chord progressions shocked critics but inspired a whole school of avant-garde jazz in the 1960s and '70s.
As the avant-garde movement continues to evolve, its influence resonates in contemporary art forms, showcasing the enduring power of unconventional and boundary-pushing expressions. The avant-garde spirit lives on, urging artists to embrace innovation, question the status quo, and create immersive experiences that transcend the boundaries of traditional artistic disciplines.
Twentieth Century Theatre: A Journey into Avant-Garde Realism. (2016, Jun 21). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/the-definition-of-avant-garde-essay
👋 Hi! I’m your smart assistant Amy!
Don’t know where to start? Type your requirements and I’ll connect you to an academic expert within 3 minutes.
get help with your assignment
