The ultimate truth of realism is the material world. We observe the real world upon the stage including behaviors, concerns, how one deals with disease, financial issues, etc. This style continues to dominate because of the allusion to everyday life reenacted onstage. Naturalism revolts saying that drama shouldn’t candy coat the truth – that life has a dark side and we should observe the hidden truths of man as well. Emile Zola felt we should let life happen on stage and showing how the environment shapes all human behavior.
By using one of our previous plays, summarize the plot and staging effects using these new styles. In other words, take an old play and modernize using everyday people instead of King and Queens. Othello was treated this way in the film O. This should be fun – I am looking forward to everyone’s creative ideas.