Comparative Analysis of Theatre Architecture: Greek Antiquity vs. Spanish Renaissance
Choose two theatre history aspects and prepare a five-page comparative analysis using two different historical periods examined this semester (Greek, Roman, Asian [Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Indian], Medieval Europe, Renaissance [select from Italian, England, Spain], and Jacobean England). For example, compare acting in Greek and Asian periods, or staging practices in the Italian Renaissance and the Medieval period. You must use at least five sources for the evidence in this paper. Support your analysis with description including (quotes, scene descriptions, etc) from the readings, information from your textbook, and supporting material from two scholarly sources. The scholarly sources must be either books or academic journal articles from a CUNY library. You must footnote your sources in the paper and create a bibliography (MLA style).
Analyze and compare one theatre history aspect in two different historical periods:
1. Select one of the following subject areas:
acting (style, companies, gender construction, etc.)
design (scenery, costumes, lighting [yes, you can discuss the lighting of these ancient historical eras]
staging
theatre buildings and architecture
theory (i.e., Neoclassical versus The Poetics)
2. Then, prepare a five-page comparative analysis of your subject area in two different historical periods examined this semester (Greek, Roman, Asian, Medieval Europe, Renaissance [select from Italian, England, Spain]). For example, compare acting in Greek and Asian periods, or theatre architecture in the Italian Renaissance and the Medieval period.
Support your analysis from the following sources:
textbook
two other scholarly sources (for a total of five sources)
must cite your sources in the paper.
3. Lastly, create a bibliography of your sources. Refer to the Library's guides to creating MLA format bibliographies on the library website. Remember, the plays posted on Blackboard come from somewhere on the Web and thus, require the proper citation.
Grading takes into account:
Appropriate construction of a comparative essay : introduction and thesis statement (paragraph 1), analysis and evidence (body), conclusion (last paragraph)
Appropriate use of evidence from textbook, and two other scholarly sources : Description, Interpretation, Evaluation (DIE Method!)
Standard academic grammar and spelling
Appropriate use of an MLA-formatted bibliography
Your Name
Subject and Section
Professor’s Name
November 17, 2023
Comparative Analysis of Theatre Architecture: Greek Antiquity vs. Spanish Renaissance
Introduction
In the annals of theatrical history, architecture serves not merely as the physical framework for drama but as a dynamic narrative element, echoing the cultural and philosophical ethos of its era. This paper juxtaposes the architectural ingenuity of ancient Greek theatre, a testament to democratic ideals and harmony with nature, with the ornate grandeur of Spanish Renaissance theatre buildings, which emerged from a confluence of artistic revival and societal transformation. Through examining these distinct architectural styles and their underlying cultural influences, the analysis illuminates how theatre buildings, transcending their practical role, embody the zeitgeist of their times, mirroring the intricate interplay between artistic expression and the societal milieu from which they arise.
Background
Greek Theatre Architecture
Rooted in the cradle of Western civilization, Greek theatre architecture epitomizes the synthesis of aesthetic form and democratic ethos. Emblematic structures like the Theatre of Dionysus, nestled in Athenian landscapes, showcase the quintessential open-air design, harmonizing with the land's natural contours. These amphitheaters, with their semi-circular orchestras, not only facilitated acoustic excellence and visual clarity but also reflected the societal emphasis on communal participation. The 'skene,' evolving from a mere backdrop to an integral narrative component, underscored the Greeks' innovative spirit in theatrical