Symbolic theatre

A brief summary of symbolic theater's history, leaders, and influences.

1. Symbolic Theatre In Seven Minutes

2. Symbolism in drama was the leading movement of the late nineteenth century and the early twentieth century(1880-1910) which sought to replace realistic representation of life with the expression of inner truth. (revelation and depiction of inner life/thoughts/feelings) Symbolist drama used myths, legends, and symbols in an attempt to reach beyond everyday reality; it was closely linked to symbolist poetry.   Details : History and intent

3. Definition and how used A symbol implies a greater meaning than the literal suggestion and is usually used to represent something other than what it is at face value.  Symbolism  in the theatre can be achieved via characters, colour , movement, costume and props.  (Rose, cross, red)

4. Style and influences The chief influences on Symbolist Theatre were Richard Wagner with his emphasis on myth; and the poet and critic Stéphane Mallarmé who said" Depict, not the object, but the effect which it produces."   Strictly symbolist plays had almost no plot action, but often took the form of lyric drama. It was static, indirect, evocative, and often ceremonial. It attempted to present those things that are hard to present literally by using symbols, metaphors, poetry, and music.  There is often a strong element of mysticism and spirituality in symbolic theatre as well. Because of the lack of action the plays were generally shorter and the movement was not widespread, with its main supporters in France.  

5. Leaders in the Movement Leading symbolist playwright-Villiers de L'isle-Adam-  whose most important play was called  Axel   (Theme-love and religion).  Most successful symbolist dramatist- Maurice Maeterlinck -The Intruder (Theme-death) One of the final plays bearing the stamp of symbolism was The Tidings Brought to Mary (1921)  by Paul Claudel.  

6. Influence on other theatre The symbolist movement influenced the anti realist theatre and many playwrights such as Ibsen( A Doll's House/When we Dead Awaken)  and Strindberg (Miss Julie/The Ghost Sonata)  who started out as realists used symbolist traits as part of their later works.  Since it's debut,  symbolist theater traits have been used and continue to be used in all different types of anti realist theatre such as Peking opera in Asia, avant guard and brechtian theater. Wedekind's Spring Awakening combines traits from symbolism, the grotesque and realism.  The Crucible  is a good example of a more modern American, symbolist play. Tennessee Williams  The Milk train Doesn't Stop Here Anymore  is another example of a more modern play that uses symbolism.   

7. Sources A Ghost Sonata  https://youtu.be/mnzhjJWbDas Goldfarb, Wilson. "Living Theatre: History of Theatre"  McGraw Hill. New York. 2008. CH. 12. Print.  Quick web browser search for definitions.