Modern Realisms and Anti-Realisms (Late 1800s to Early 1900s)

Abstract

This chapter maps various realistic and anti-realistic styles, providing a chart of the latter. It relates challenges to traditional views of self, society, and cosmos, from Darwin, Marx, Nietzsche, and Einstein, to psychological realism’s use of the well-made play and naturalism’s study of the human animal. It considers Stanislavski’s acting method, with ties to American artists, plus the propaganda aspects of socialist realism and Nazi marches. It investigates neo-Romantic symbolism, parodied by Jarry. It explores dada as anti-war protest, expressionism as showing social pressures through scenographic distortion, African-American stars emerging through that style, futurism glorifying war and technology, and surrealism drawing on classical myths, personal dreams, and “automatic” writings. It concludes with minimalist and eclectic directors, meta-theatrical playwrights, early book musicals, and improvisational therapies.