Abstract
A quote by the French symbolist playwright Paul Claudel claims, “All that passes is raised to the dignity of expression; all that happens is raised to the dignity of meaning. Everything is either symbol or parable.” The development of the symbolist movement of modern theatre from 1874 to 1915 gained clout through those who shared in Claudel’s observation. Throughout the paper, the symbolist movement of modern theatre will be explored along with those who struggled to make the movement come to life on the stage. The struggle between realists and symbolists concerning what is real and what is incredulous fantasy will also be viewed in this work. Claudel’s play The Tidings Brought to Mary, written toward the end of the movement and still performed post movement, will be used as an aid in deciphering the necessity of symbolism in theatre.
Faculty Sponsors
Jane Duncan
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-4-2014 1:00 PM
End Date
4-4-2014 5:30 PM
Symbolist Movement of Modern Theatre
Alvin Sherman Library
A quote by the French symbolist playwright Paul Claudel claims, “All that passes is raised to the dignity of expression; all that happens is raised to the dignity of meaning. Everything is either symbol or parable.” The development of the symbolist movement of modern theatre from 1874 to 1915 gained clout through those who shared in Claudel’s observation. Throughout the paper, the symbolist movement of modern theatre will be explored along with those who struggled to make the movement come to life on the stage. The struggle between realists and symbolists concerning what is real and what is incredulous fantasy will also be viewed in this work. Claudel’s play The Tidings Brought to Mary, written toward the end of the movement and still performed post movement, will be used as an aid in deciphering the necessity of symbolism in theatre.
