Where the first theater was created. When did the first theater appear?

Modern people sometimes underestimate theater, making their choice in favor of cinema. However, there is little that can compare with theatrical art. The Russian theater has come a long way from its formation to receiving the title of one of the best in the world. We invite you to remember with us the history of its creation.

In Russia, theatrical art began to develop much later than in most European and Asian countries. But at the same time, buffoons toured the territory of the modern Russian Federation, giving performances, as well as Street musicians who told epics and legends.

Creator first, one might say, a professional theater called "Comedy dance" considered one of the first kings of the dynasty Romanov Alexey Mikhailovich. However, after his death, churchmen dissatisfied with the mansion destroyed the theater.

During the same period, wealthy landowners began to create their own theaters in which serfs performed. A serious patron of the theater was Peter I. At the same time, the Russian emperor demanded that the performances be performed in Russian and be “not too serious, not too cheerful, not have any love affairs and not be too sad.”

After the death of Peter, theatrical art ceased to be supported by the rulers and only after coming to power Anna Ioannovna it again received government subsidies.

History of creation state theater in Russia, according to most experts, began with the establishment of the Gentry Cadet Corps, where the first theater studios and the children of the nobles were taught the art of acting. At the same time, the first professional theater in Russia appeared in Yaroslavl based on the troupe of merchant Fyodor Volkov.

Over time, the Russian theater improved and acquired fans from various segments of the population.

Bolshoi Theater: history of creation

Grand Theatre, located in the very center of Moscow rightfully bears the title of the temple of arts and worldwide famous theater operas and ballets. It is noteworthy that the Bolshoi Theater has two “birthdays” - March 1776 and January 1852. But still, the generally accepted date is the first.

Initially, the Bolshoi Theater was built on Petrovskaya Square and accordingly bore the name Petrovsky. The founder of the theater is considered to be Prince Pyotr Vasilyevich Urusov, who received the highest permission from Catherine II on the content of concerts, theatrical performances and masquerades.

Unfortunately, the Petrovsky Theater burned to the ground even before its opening, which greatly aggravated Urusov’s situation. The prince handed over the affairs to the Englishman Mikhail Medox, which for a long time was his companion. The Petrovsky Theater of Medox stood for twenty-five years, during which it also burned repeatedly and survived floods.

Then, in 1821, construction began on the fundamental building for the Bolshoi Theater, designed by Andrei Mikhailova and Osipa Beauvais, which lasted four years.

Since then, in spite of all the wars, fires and other disasters, an eight-column theater with Apollo's chariot above the portico has risen in the heart of the capital, symbolizing the eternal movement of life and art.

The Bolshoi Theater building is no less magnificent inside than outside. Five-tier auditorium, big stage, incredible acoustics, paintings on the ceiling, gilded stucco, a multi-tiered crystal chandelier of enormous size and other splendor of the decoration of the Bolshoi Theater have more than once amazed the imagination and inspired playwrights, actors, dancers, singers, composers and musicians.

The stars of the greats lit up on the stage of the Bolshoi Theater Russian ballerinas, singers, choreographers, musicians, composers, actors and other representatives creative professions. In addition, great foreign artists treated offers to perform at the Bolshoi Theater with particular trepidation.

The history of the theater goes back to Ancient Greece more than two thousand years ago. Ancient art It originated as spectacular entertainment for the public, festive scenes of costumed actors. The performances were originally timed to coincide with the Great Dionysius - a major religious holiday.

Now the theater is undoubtedly more than a procession of singing men in goatskins through the city. He became high art, way of relaxation high society, a place of cultural education. The history of the theater is a fascinating process of development that continues to this day. We will tell the reader this in our article. You will also find many interesting facts in the presented material. So, let's begin.

Start

In Athens of the 5th century BC. e. theatrical performances were an integral part of religious holidays. Processions with the statue of Dionysus were accompanied by cheerful chants and dramatic games. We can say that the history of the Athenian theater began as amateur performances for not large quantity onlookers. Initially, only tragedies were staged; comedies were shown later. It is noteworthy that plays, as a rule, were shown only once. This stimulated authors to create relevant, interesting works. The playwright not only wrote the play, he was a full-fledged participant in the performance, playing the roles of director, composer, choreographer and even actor. Naturally, these were extremely talented people.

But to become a choreg (choir director), great talent was not required. All they needed was money and connections with government officials. The main responsibility of the choregas was to pay bills, provide full material support and support the theater. In those days it was a place of competition; the winners were the choregas, the poet and the protagonist. The winners were crowned with ivy and awarded prizes. Victory was given to them by decision of the jury.

An interesting fact is that the ancient Romans were real fans of realism. A production in which the actor played the role 100% was considered ideal - if necessary, he had to be ready to even die.

The Greek theater had no roof; spectators and actors were, in fact, on the street. The size of ancient theaters was enormous, they accommodated from 17 to 44 thousand people. At first, wooden platforms were used to seat spectators, then natural stone slopes were adapted for the theater. And only then, in the 4th century BC. e., a stone theater was built.

You will probably be interested to know that the government, starting with Pericles, has given the opportunity to visit the theater and experience beauty even to financially disadvantaged citizens. To achieve this, everyone was given a subsidy for one visit to the theater, and subsequently for three visits.

Story ancient theater has one characteristic feature: the actors played their roles without the help of their own facial expressions. It was replaced by all kinds of masks, often very grotesque. Much attention the actor paid attention to body movements and clothing. The actors were men, even female roles. They occupied a privileged position in society and were exempt from taxes.

An interesting fact is that Livius Andronicus, an ancient Roman playwright, became the father of the world's first "phonogram". He was left without a voice, but got out of the situation by finding a boy who spoke for him.

Some terms of ancient theater

Many definitions used in ancient theaters have survived to this day. A small dictionary of terms from ancient times is presented below:

• The orchestra is a round-shaped part of the theater with two entrances, intended for the performance of dramatic and lyrical choirs. In the Athens theater its diameter was 24 meters.
• Skena is a place for changing clothes. Originally a simple tent, it was then combined with pieces of stage decoration, such as a backdrop.
• Proskenium - a colonnade in front of the skene.
• Paraskenium – side stone extensions.
• The stage is a raised area above the orchestra, where actors began to play in late antiquity.
• Ekkiclema is a mobile platform made of wood that allows you to transform the scene of action and move actors around the stage.
• Koturny - shoes with high soles, reminiscent of stilts. With the help of such shoes, actors became taller, more impressive and similar to mythical creatures.

A remarkable fact is that it was in Rome that the phrase “Finita la comedia” was first uttered.

Puppets in the theatrical world

The history of puppet theater originates in Egypt, where priests used a doll of the god Osiris to perform ritual actions. At first puppet show was precisely ritual-ritual, but now the religious connotation has faded away. Famous ritual puppet theaters exist in many countries: Japan (“Bunraku”), Indonesia (“Wayang”), Catalonia (“El Pastores”), Belarus (“Batleyka”) and others.

In the history of puppet theater in America, a theater created in 1962 called “Bread and Puppet” stands out. It features giant papier-mâché dolls, obvious political overtones, and food delicious bread at the entrance. This interaction between actors and spectators is symbolic: theatrical art should be as close to the people as possible.

Dolls come in different sizes and appearances. There are finger and glove puppets, cane and tablet puppets, puppets and giant dolls. Being a puppet theater actor is not so easy, because you need to be able to animate inanimate object, give it character and voice.

A characteristic feature of any puppet theater is the ridicule of something, the presence of morality, an educational element in the skits. No matter what age the viewer of the puppet theater is, he will find there not only something to laugh at, but also something to think about. Often the heroes in the puppet theater are unattractive, even ugly characters, for example, the French Polichinelle with a hooked nose.

You will probably be interested to know that actors are not always rich people. In the history of American puppet theater, there are facts that theatergoers could watch the production in exchange for food.

Drama

The history of the dramatic theater dates back to ancient times. This is one of the art forms, along with puppet theater, pantomime, opera and ballet. home distinguishing feature drama theater - the actor’s actions are combined with the words he speaks. Particular attention is paid to stage speech in this type of genre. The basis of a dramatic performance is the play. In the process of acting, improvisation is possible; the action may include dancing and singing. The performance is based on literary work. The main interpreter of a play or script is the director.

It is quite remarkable that theater workers believe that dropping a script is not good. If this trouble occurs, you must definitely sit on it.

The emergence of domestic theatrical traditions

The history of theater in Russia is divided into stages:

• Initial (“playful”)
• Average.
• Mature.

Playful stage

As in Ancient Rome, the history of theater in Russia began as a not entirely serious activity. Theatrical performances were called “fun”, and performances were called “games”. The first chronicle mention of buffoons dates back to 1068. In fact, anyone could become such an actor entertaining the public. From a religious point of view, the activities of buffoons were shameful. In the chronicles they are called servants of the devil, and mockery, satire and mummery are called sins. Sharp satire was not welcomed by the church, however, this did not really stop anyone.

Buffoonery was also not considered an art pleasing to the authorities; on the contrary, sharp social topics skits, ridiculing modern shortcomings made the actors dangerous and harmful. But the people loved to watch and laugh at the performances of the buffoons. However, it should be understood that classical theater, as we know him now, grew not out of these buffoonish scenes, but independently of them, even, rather, in spite of them.

Middle stage

The next stage in the history of Russian theater is intermediate between playful and mature. At this phase, the courtier and school theaters. At that time, Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich ruled, the actors in the court theater were foreigners, and the actors in the school theater were students. After the death of Alexei Mikhailovich, the activity of the court theater was suspended until Peter I came to power. He had a positive attitude towards “spectacles”, but, in addition to entertainment, it also became endowed with a propaganda function. In 1702, a public theater for the masses appeared. Its building was called the “Comedy Temple”; performances were given there by a German troupe. The people did not accept this theater. Although Peter I did not achieve his goal, he did not make the theater a favorite place for people, accessible and popular, but he laid all the necessary prerequisites for this.

A mature stage in the history of theatrical art

This period in the history of the creation of theater in Russia is the most important. At this stage, the theater began to acquire those features that are familiar to modern man, has formed into a serious professional community. On August 30, 1756, the start was given, namely, the Imperial Theater opened. The same date is the founding day of the Alexandrinsky Theater in St. Petersburg. This happened under Elizaveta Petrovna.

A feature of the theater of that time was the simultaneous participation of both Russians and foreign artists. It was at this stage that the performance of roles was first entrusted not only to men, but also to women. Catherine II gave great importance theater, under her there were three troupes in St. Petersburg, a fantastic amount of money was spent on the development of this industry.

In addition to the development of state ones, Catherine also paid attention to the private theaters of the nobles; for example, there was the theater of Sheremetyev, Volkonsky, and Rumyantsev. Even in the provinces their own landowner troupes were created. The Russian theater, namely the productions themselves, was built according to the models of their French colleagues. At the head of the French school acting stood I. A. Dmitrevsky, who trained more than one generation of wonderful actors.

Did you know?

We present to the reader some more fun facts from the history theatrical arts.

At the time when Pushkin was alive, theaters in Russia were not entirely seated. The back rows were filled with people standing on their feet throughout the entire performance.

A landmark play in the history of Russian theatrical art is “The Minor” by D. I. Fonvizin, which became the first attempt to make fun of officials, nobles, and typical characters of the 18th century. Staroduma ( positive character) the first to play was the above-mentioned Dmitrevsky.

In 1803 imperial theaters were divided. Dramatic and musical troupes, opera and ballet, appeared as parts of the musical troupe. The dominance of the French school of playing Russian stage lasted until the 19th century. It was then that the Russian theater finally stood up and went along own path. The experience adopted became a good base, and the discovery of new talented Russian composers, actors, and dancers raised the theater to a high level.

P. N. Arapov was the first to describe the entire history of Russian theater in one encyclopedia - “Chronicles of the Russian Theater”. Theater magazines and professional critics appeared. Thus, the development of the theater gave impetus to Russian literature, among other things.

The most famous theater in Moscow

The history of the Bolshoi Theater begins on March 28, 1776. It was on this day in Moscow that Empress Catherine II signed a “privilege” for Prince Peter Urusov, allowing him to maintain the theater for ten years. It was first called the Petrovsky Theater (in honor of the street on which the entrance faced). In 1805, the building completely burned down, and the architect Osip Bove created new project. In 1820, construction began, lasting 5 years.

The theater that was built became larger, which is why it got its name. This beautiful, harmonious, rich building brought joy to the residents of Moscow until 1853, when the second fire occurred. This time the reconstruction was entrusted to the architect Albert Kavos. The theater was restored in 1856. The Imperial Bolshoi Theater became famous not only in Russia, but also in the world: it had excellent acoustics. In 1917 after the Revolution, the name was changed to the State Bolshoi Theater. The decoration was supplemented with Soviet symbols.

He suffered seriously during the Great Patriotic War, taking on the bomb. The building was reconstructed again. Until 1987, the building underwent only minor cosmetic repairs. Now the Bolshoi Theater is a building with new scene, where you can use modern effects. At the same time, it preserved the spirit classical architecture, its “branded” acoustics, which gives it the right to be considered one of the best theaters in the world. This is the history of the Bolshoi Theater.

And finally, one more, no less interesting fact. Films set wholly or partly in a theater: Birdman, The Disaster Artist, La La Land, The Phantom of the Opera, Burlesque Tales, Knockout, Stumbling on Broadway, Black-ish Swan”, “The Puppeteer”, “A Terribly Big Adventure”, “Shakespeare in Love”, “Murder in a Small Town”, “Quai Orfevre”.

The history of theater (drama and other genres of this art) will continue to develop, since interest in it has remained unchanged for more than two thousand years.

Modern cultural society in its present form, it owes a lot to theatrical art, which arose long before the advent of etiquette and familiar moral norms. Let's dive into the ancient times of history. During this you will be able to find out Interesting Facts about theatrical art, when the first theater was created and everything connected with the first acting performances.

The creation of the first theater in the world cannot be known for sure, because it was back in the 5th century BC in ancient Greece, when the Theater of Dionysus appeared. It was made of wood. Twice a year, solemn performances of actors took place on stage, during which the most talented authors of those times competed for the right to be called the best in different genres. The person who sold tickets and controlled the performances was called an archon. VIPs were seated in luxurious marble chairs (installed over time), from which there was an excellent view. The Theater of Dionysus still exists today. Its last reconstruction should be completed in 2015.

The very first stone theater appeared in 52 BC in Rome. The stage was a raised platform with a screen in the background. There were seats in front of the stage (in the stalls). Over time, Roman theatrical art ceased to develop due to the influence of Christianity on culture.

Who invented theater in Russia?

The first domestic theater is an academic one Theatre of Drama named after F.G. Volkov, founded in Yaroslavl. The year of its creation is 1750. On one of the warm summer days young temperamental Fyodor Volkov together with his comrades performed in front of the public. The performance consisted of works by Lomonosov, Sumarokov, Rostovsky and his own plays by the young genius Volkov. By the way, F. Volkov was part-time decorator, translator, performance director and architect. The actors even visited Empress Elizabeth (according to a special decree issued by her) during a tour in St. Petersburg. It is noteworthy that at that time there were other acting troupes. But the performances were closed and were not available to the general public.

What was the first modern theater?

In 1618 Italian city Parma gave the world the first modern theater - the Farnesi. The stage was designed quite unusually - along one of the walls. The actors and spectators were separated by a wide curtain, which also helped to change the scenery unnoticed by the guests of the performance.

Did you know? The longest theatrical performance (about 10 hours) took place in 1672 in the Moscow region.

The beginnings of theatrical art existed back in primitive society, before the appearance early civilizations. Theatrical art as such arose both in the East and in Ancient Greece and Rome, and then continued to develop in the medieval and Renaissance Western Europe and Russia.

Turning to the historical past of the theater, I would like to note that various shows and performances have existed since ancient times. This is due to various circumstances. Firstly, this is the need for rest, secondly - knowledge and discovery of oneself, the world, human soul, thirdly, manipulation of public consciousness. Artistic reflection reality was accomplished through dramatic action. Interaction of characters, revelation of psychological or social conflicts, an attempt to attract the viewer to participate in the implementation of the plan - this is what underlies the theatrical action.

The historical background for the formation of theatrical performances appears in primitive period. As a rule, these rituals were accompanied by spells, singing, dancing, and playing ancient musical instruments. The rituals also included various performances directly related to the life of the tribes. Important role was assigned to the attributes and attire of a sorcerer or shaman, which also created sound effects, enhancing the impact on spectators and participants in the action. Holidays with theatrical elements were held in honor of the gods, who were identified with the forces of nature, natural phenomena and elements. This is how the first performances of a theatrical nature appeared.

The entire performance was aimed at involving large number people, everyone became participants in what was happening. The mass scale of what was happening depended on the purpose of the action, i.e. these were rites and rituals addressed to the gods - it was assumed that the gods see everything and are included in what is happening. Primitive ideas, as a rule, were performed by priests who were believed to be endowed with magical powers and could ask for favors from the gods: successful hunting, rain during a drought, etc. Some priests “came into contact” with deities directly during the performance of a rite or ritual. This created a feeling of being chosen, which was reflected not only in the works of the theater, but also in rock paintings that captured everything that was happening. There is an understanding of a kind of “professionalization” of some elements theatrical performance. It seemed that it was possible to prove one’s recognition to the gods by improving dialogue or monologue. Thus, the first “professionals” of archaic theatrical forms were priests and shamans. Later they were replaced by mourners, singers, and dancers. They glorified the ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Slavic gods: Osiris, Dionysus, Astarte, Baal, Saturn, Yarila, Kolyada and others.

Priests and shamans, realizing the impact of rites and rituals on society, polished their skills, gained power and authority, and ritual actions with theatricalization began to be used by priests as the most important means of control public opinion and maintaining order. Gradually, the functions of the theater begin to take shape: social, religious, ideological. This was achieved due to the large number of participants in the ritual and the high degree of emotional involvement of each member of the team in it. There is a need for other types of art ( rock painting, small sculpture - figurines of Mother Earth, totem animals, etc., costumes or robes of those participating in the ritual), which enriched the theatrical performances and helped create the effect of a mass experience. Therefore, it has long been widely believed that theater is a powerful means of manipulating public consciousness, with the help of which political, legal, social and other ideas are instilled.

One cannot fail to mention the entertainment function of the theater, which most often takes priority. At the same time, entertainment, as a rule, has a hidden subtext and sometimes distracts from pressing problems in society. Suffice it to recall the slogan of the Roman mob during the era of imperial power: “Bread and circuses” (lat. Rapet et circenses). The theater was widely used by power structures to achieve their goals. In addition, the theater not only entertained, but also generated income. In Rome, tickets made from bone were sold. The construction of the Theater of Marcellus was completed (13 BC), which was very convenient for spectators. The audience reacted violently to what was happening on stage, expressing approval or indignation with exclamations and shouts. For bad acting they could have been injured.

It is important to note that rituals and ceremonies had a close connection with the artistic component of any performance. They acted as the basis of a cult, a holiday, and, as a result of all this, a theatrical performance. And although the relationship between ritual or rite and all types of art can be traced, it is theater as one of oldest species art was able to preserve that form of ritual construction of action that is characteristic only of it.

The close interaction between theater and ritual can be observed in all theater systems antiquity, but the presence of magic was mandatory in those days. The ritual could be carried out without the help of theatrical spectacles, simply the effect of perception was enhanced when they harmoniously coexisted. Theatrical performance, depending on its purpose, had national significance, since failure to comply with obligatory ritual schemes threatened disaster for the people. Based on this, later they began to divide spectacles into ritual and entertainment.

The appearance of the first tragedies is also based on ritual actions. Human consciousness was closely connected with nature and its capabilities. Numerous cults provided food for thought in these ideas. They demonstrated cruel fate a hero who disobeyed the laws of nature or went against them. All natural elements were inhabited by spirits and deities, who were present to one degree or another in theatrical performances. The involvement of the viewer in what is happening became, as it were, the forerunner of the development of the presentation of tragedies in Greece. Not a single production was complete without a ritual or magical rite.

Stage action that occurs in different eras, had general grounds. Magical and ritual forms were gaining scale even when the first states of the East arose. The earliest attempts to create professional performances were carried out on religious grounds and grew to include liturgical dramas, tragedies, comedies, farces, and mysteries. In antiquity, theaters developed with their own traditions, innovative ideas, and stage technology. Interesting shapes spectacles were formed in states Ancient East, in India, China, Japan. In Western Europe in the Middle Ages theatrical creativity spread by traveling actors, in France these were troubadours and trouvères, in Germany - minnesingers, in England - minstrels, in Russia - buffoons, but it should be said that from the 11th century. their performances were subject to bans by the Orthodox Church.

The theater of the Middle Ages most often covered religious issues. A striking example Italian folk comedy of masks is rightfully considered professional theater del arte (XVI-XVII centuries). Emerging in Italy during the Renaissance, “scientific comedy” gave rise to a scientific and literary approach to the stage work. During the Renaissance, the theater became stationary, in large cultural centers special premises are being built for dramatic performances. Since that time, the theater has been rapidly developing in all countries of the world. It becomes a place and means of entertainment, attracts the masses into its circle, playwrights and directors, actors and great works appear.

New time required new approaches to the presentation of dramatic action: the poetics of classicism and baroque are closely associated with the theater, an important aspect is the constant appeal to the theoretical works of Aristotle and Horace. The ideological aspect is directly reflected in the performances of that time. During the Enlightenment, theater audiences became democratic, and a new galaxy of playwrights and theater theorists appeared - Voltaire and Diderot in France and Lessing in Germany. A new ideological doctrine of theater is emerging. Until the advent of cinema, the theater will maintain a stable position.

Close attention to the theater would continue until World War II. But with the advent of cinema, the theater was forced to make room. Theater often becomes of interest to professionals and theater fans, and to a lesser extent to the average viewer. Currently, interest in the theater has been revived, and the reason for the new flourishing of theatrical art can be considered the innovative approach of directors and graphic designers to the classical repertoire, as well as the emergence of ultra-modern productions that attract the attention of young people. Numerous theater festivals attract a huge number of not only theater specialists and theorists, but also ordinary spectators.

The history of the theater is closely connected with the history of states, therefore the main sources of information about the theater are historical, theoretical works and memoirs, which reflect the milestones in the development of theatrical art. At all times, theater has been an integral part of cultural, social and political life. Each stage in the history of theater is associated with names famous authors who created masterpieces that are the pride of the theatrical repertoire to this day. But the art of theater is momentary, and descendants can only literary sources learn about the resounding success of certain productions, about the performances of outstanding actors of the past.

We will trace the development of theater in a specific period of time and its place in world culture.

Countries and peoples. Questions and answers Kukanova Yu. V.

Where did the first theater appear?

Where did the first theater appear?

The first theater appeared in Ancient Greece. It was quite a large building open air, where the audience seats were located in a semicircle above the stage.

In those days, the theater staged plays of only two genres - tragedy and comedy, which were written on historical or mythological subjects. Women were not always allowed to attend such performances, and they usually sat separately.

There were no decorations on the theater stage, and all the roles were played by men, performing in huge masks and buskins - high boots that gave majesty to the figures of the actors.