Key features of Realism in theater:
1. Accurate Depiction of Real Life: Realist plays drew inspiration from real life, depicting ordinary characters and situations, often set in contemporary society.
2. Objectivity: Realist dramas attempted to present life as it is, without injecting the author's personal opinions or biases. The intention was to portray characters and events objectively, offering the audience an unbiased view of the depicted reality.
3. Focus on Social Issues: Many realist plays addressed social problems and injustices, such as poverty, social inequality, domestic abuse, and moral corruption. These plays served as social commentaries, encouraging introspection and societal change.
4. Psychological Depth: Realist characters often exhibited psychological complexity, revealing inner conflicts and motivations. This psychological realism aimed to provide a deeper understanding of human behavior.
5. Authentic Dialogue: Realist plays utilized language and dialogue that reflected how people genuinely speak in real life. This often included regional accents, slang, and colloquialisms.
6. Detailed Sets and Costumes: Realistic plays paid meticulous attention to set design and costuming, replicating the ordinary spaces and clothing of the depicted time and environment.
7. Breaking the "Fourth Wall": Some realist plays embraced naturalism, breaking the fourth wall, or the imaginary barrier separating the stage from the audience, thus enhancing the sense of reality and involving the audience directly.
8. Ensemble Acting: Realist plays emphasized ensemble acting, with all performers contributing equally to the overall depiction of the story rather than relying on prominent lead roles.
9. Social Critique: Realist plays often presented critical perspectives on society, serving as vehicles for critiquing social norms, conventions, and institutions.
Realism in theater had a profound impact on dramatic literature and production techniques, influencing the works of playwrights such as Henrik Ibsen, Anton Chekhov, and Maxim Gorky, among many others. It continues to be a significant artistic approach in contemporary theater, as it allows audiences to connect with relatable characters and witness social realities often obscured by theatrical conventions.