Classicism

:For the works or study of works from classical antiquity, see Classics

In the theatre

Classicism in the theatre was developed by 17th century French playwrights from what they judged to be the rules of Greek classical theatre, including the Classical unities of time, place and action.

Related Topics:
Theatre - 17th century - French - Playwright - Greek classical theatre - Classical unities

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• Unity of time referred to the need for the entire action of the play to take place in a fictional 24-hour period
• Unity of place meant that the action should unfold in a single location
• Unity of action meant that the play should be constructed around a single 'plot-line', such as a tragic love affair or a conflict between honour and duty.

Classicists did not approve of Shakespeare, who broke all these rules and plenty more.

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Examples of classicist playwrights:

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• Pierre Corneille
• Jean Racine

Victor Hugo was among the first French playwrights to break these conventions.

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