The rebirth (renaissance) of the idea that a specific building
constructed on a permanent basis (not just for aristocratic
events like a wedding, etc.), not limited to specific times
of the year (such as carnival) be constructed: the theatre!
Furthermore, these theatres are for the "polis", not only for
aristocracy. 1
Trompe l'oeil (linear perspective) was employed.
2
Brunelleschi and Leonardo da Vinci created the first
theatre machines for these theatres. 3
Although this discussion is confined to the Renaissance and Baroque periods,
theatre design was heavily influenced by theatre design from ancient Greece and
ancient Rome. Thus a word about the influence of ancient theatre upon theatres
of the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Ekkyklema were used by the ancients.
An ekkyklema was a wheeled platform, rolled into place before the audience.
It was used to display an interior scene. Periaktoi and flats (or wings) mechanically
controlled (as at Drottningholm) were an improvement. The ancients also used cranes
for flying machines (dios ex mechané), as well as trap doors. The stages of
the ancients seem in certain respects to be more advanced in their use of Charon's
Steps. Charon's Steps were used for ghosts, spirits, etc. A ghost would
suddenly appear by climbing up subterrainian steps from under the stage, appearing
without warning, next to members of the audience! Actors wore masks, appropriate
to tragedy, comedy, satyre (thus helping the audience to identify representative subjects).
4
1
Pirrotta, Nino, and Povoledo, Elena; "Music and Theatre
from Poliziano to Monteverdi", Cambridge Univ., 1982, p. 39
.
2
Ibid., pp. 40, 41
.
3
Ibid., p. 3
.
4
Nagler, A. M.; "A Source Book in Theatrical History (Sources of
Theatrical History)", Dover, 1952, pp. 9, 10
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