Naïve theatre

Commedia dell' Arte, Mumming, Clowning, Melodrama and Bouffon are all typical examples of naïve theatre. In spite of their structural and social complexity, these theatre forms may be considered as "naïve" for the following reasons:

First, the portrayal of character tends to be simple, in the sense that the characters do not evolve during the course of the play, and are propelled by easily recognizable motives.

Secondly, the forms have evolved through tradition and were not invented by any individual. Historically, they precede the appearance of the stage director. They tend to have their origins in archetypal relationships recognizable in every day life.

Because they are very much dependant upon the actor as the source of style, they make excellent training tools.

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Jonathan Paul Cook © 2010