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New Stage Technology: Gas Lighting
Gas lighting changed theatre and gave way to a brand-new way of showing lighting and angles in plays. It was first used on June 16, 1816, at the Chestnut Street theatre. People stopped using gas lighting in theatres around the 1920s. "Improvements in gaslighting technology in the late 19th century increased the possibilities of artistic stage lighting" (wordpress). I felt this was important to the era, as well as to the area of theatre involving technology and stage crew. -
Theatrical Space: Park Theatre
There were many theatre spaces used during the 19th Century; however, the Park Theatre was used more than most. It was one of the most popular theatre spaces in the US at the time. "New York also played a significant role in this theatrical evolution, with the Park Theatre showcasing early Italian operas and competing with other venues that often-faced destruction from fires" (Potter 2023). I chose this specific theatre because it is in the US. On May 29, 1820, the second Park theatre opened. -
New Design: Box Sets
Brand new three-dimensional backdrops were introduced called box sets. "Changes in set design. Shift from painted backdrops to three-dimensional, realistic sets; Introduction of box sets created more immersive interior scenes" (fiveable). This helped not only the actors on stage but gave the audience more to look and enjoy. This is why I chose this for the top ten. It really highlights a change in theatre history. -
Opera: The Bohemian Girl
The "Bohemian Girl" (1843) by Michael William Balfe, is a popular Opera from the 19th century era of theatre. It is a melodramatic that encompasses ideas of kidnapping and romance. "It's a work of popular entertainment that almost everyone knew around the time of the 19th and 20th centuries and almost no one knows today" (Hancock). This Opera stood out to me and still lies within the lines of theatre, making it to top ten. Opera is looked at as a different category of art, and it shouldn't be. -
Playwright: Henrick Ibsen
Henrick Ibsen was a major playwright in the 19th Century for writing plays. He wrote over 10 plays in this time period for theatre. Many which were very popular. "In the 19th century, the playwright Henrik Ibsen completely rewrote the rules of drama by introducing a form of realism" (VisitNorway). His first play was published on January 1st, 1850. Many people even gave him the nickname "The Father of Modern Drama". He was connected to theatre in every way, which is why he made my top ten. -
Actor: Eleonora Duse
Eleonora Duse was a very influential actor in19th century. Her acting focused on the raw emotions and connection. She centered in realism. "Eleonora Duse has been one of the most important actresses of the Italian theater scene of the nineteenth century" (Verde 2015). She rolled in "Camille", "A Doll's House", "La Lacandiera", and many more. Camille first aired February 2nd, 1852 in "La Gioconda" in the Teatro di Verona. I chose her as the top ten, because she played in many of Ibsen's plays. -
Costume Design: "Richard lll"/ Charles Kean
"Richard lll" is a play in the 19th Century that expresses realism through costume designs. The costume deigns were done by Charles Kean, a actor and manager. "My design was based on a drawing by the 19th century illustrator HC. Seleous, and the color were taken largely from Richard's royal portrait" (Shakespearian Student). I chose to incorporate this into my top ten, because it ties in multiple aspects including costumes. This play aired at the Princess Theatre on February 20, 1854. -
Producer: Augustin Daly
Augustin Daly was one of the many producers during the 19th century, however he stood out from the majority. The first play he produced "The Widow Jones" aired on November 15, 1869 at the Fifth Avenue Theatre. "Augustine Daly was an American playwright and theatrical manager whose companies were major features of the New York and London stage" (Britannica 2025). He produced many Shakespeare plays and melodramas. I chose this for a top ten, because I felt he disserved to be recognized. -
Lyricist: William Gilbert/ The Sorcerer
During the 19th Century theatre with melodrama and realism had many great song writers. For melodramas, some songs were comedic, like William Gilberts "The Sorcerer's Song" in the "Sorcerer" Opera. It encompassed magic and love, which interests me. Which is why I chose this song and writer for my top ten events and topics for 19th Century theatre. " William Schwenk Gilbert The most talented librettist and lyricist of—the 19th-century" (Ganzel 2001). I also chose this song because of the writer. -
Play: A Doll's House
For a popular play during the 19th Century (Melodrama/Realism) (1800-1900) in the world of theatre, "A Doll's House" by Henrik Ibsen; fits into the category. "recognized for its Naturalism, but is also rooted in melodrama, the nineteenth century's dominant theatrical form" (Drama and Theatre). I chose this as one of my top ten main events for this time era in theatre, because It was popular during the time, and I also have previous knowledge of this. The play is centered around self discovery.