Answer Questions - Assignment Example

Theatre in the Italian Renaissance According to Michael Anderson, in the second half of 15th century the Teatro Olimpico was created in Vicenza on Vitruvian principles. It was the first permanent theatre and all the playhouses, which were created before were quite different. However, created in Italy of the 15th century, this theatre appeared to be the only building of such kind for Italy of 16th and 17th centuries as theatre was impermanent that time (Anderson 3). Actually, in Italy of the 16th century, the term “theatre” acquired two different meanings.

In ancient times “theatre” means the construction used for different performances and this meaning was brought by Vitruvian. However, the word “theatre” also acquired different meaning that was also called non-Vitruvian. It appeared when it becomes fashionable to show performances outside. Thus, “theatre” also meant “performance”, not building, as performances did not need a construction to be showed in anymore (Anderson 7). The term “illusionistic perspective background” is used by Anderson, when he wants to explain to readers Sulpicio’s reference to “painted scene”.

According to the author, this reference remains obscure as it was not believable that the theatre of this time used such background (Anderson 5). According, to Anderson, “theatres” were impermanent in the 16th century mainly because performances were rarely showed in special places for performances, which we call “theatres” now. Teatro Olimpico remained the only permanent place, but performances were showed rarely even there. If some constructions were created, they were dismantled soon.

The word “theater” still was used as a synonym for the word “performance” and not “a building for performances”. Moreover, in the 16th century it was fashionable to invite actors to private houses to see the performance. People preferred performances to be showed in their houses and did not usually visit theaters (Anderson 16). Anderson does not state that “theatre buildings” were really important for art and its development. He writes about outstanding performances, which were held in 15th and 16th centuries and they did not need any special buildings, they could be held everywhere and this was a real art.

I think that art in a free form is more pleasant and this is a great art. Actors worked without any special preparation, they were really gifted people who could start playing their performance at any moment without any special effects and costumes modern actors use. However, I agree with the author that beginning from the 16th century “theatre” turned into a profession used to make money. So, buildings became really necessary to trace the payments. Art did not need any buildings, but the profession needed.

Anderson states: “it should not be forgotten that from the mid-sixteenth century onwards, the main function of the theatre was to enable companies of professional actors to earn their living by performing on a stage in front of a paying public” (Anderson 18). He calls the building “modern phenomenon” and I completely agree with him. Art did not need to be placed in buildings, but the reality of life made them necessary to be constructed.Works CitedAnderson, Michael. The changing scene: plays and playhouses in the Italian Renaissance.

Theater of English and Italian Renaissance. St. Martins’ Press, New York, n.d.