Balianite Theatre

[HIGH_FIRE 4106]

Spoiler

New Balian Culture post dropped, however in the form of a missive made by the seneschal

Inspired by Byzantine, Greek and Roman theatrics, relying more on greek due to my own knowledge

Balianite Theatre

 

 

As Balian expands it is my desire to make a new form of playwriting for the people of Balian to partake in to be known. This of course will be known as Balian Theatre.

 

This new form of playwriting will be unique to Balian and be formed very specifically to fulfil the two different types of play, comedic and tragic. These both have different specifications.

 

The Theatre 

 

 

 

The four parts of the Balian Ampitheatre are as follows:

 

- The Theatra. The place where people are seated to watch the play being hosted.

 

- The Okestra. The stage where the actors and choros perform the play for those to watch

 

- The Scene. The background created to set the scene of what the play depicts where the play is supposed to be set.

 

- The Paradons. The entryways and exits of the Okestra, for the actors to make entrances. The one to the left of the Okestra is known as the Entron, of which the actors use to get onto the Okestra and the one on the right of the Okestra is known as the Exadon, where the actors leave the Okestra.

 

The General Aspects of the Plays

 

There are various aspects of the Balianite play that make it unique to Balian. Firstly, the actors wear a mask made of clay, made to depict both their character in general and most importantly the primary emotion of that character throughout the entire play. For example, the mask of a man who is supposed to be distraught would feature an exaggerated frown on his face.

 

In addition, there would be only three actors in the entire play, all of which will take on any of the roles in the play, of which there will only be up to six in total, three or four of them being prominent roles. This is to ensure that the viewers of the play do not get distracted from the messages of the play and the main story of the play.

 

Furthermore, a very unique feature is the Chorus, a group of three who all bear a group identity, for example, the Balianite senators or Soldiers of the Kingdom of Oren. Together they partake in song addressing the actions the characters have portrayed and giving their opinions on the matter, in an attempt to ensure the viewers feel the same as they do. 

 

Finally, the plays in general all have an aspect of politicism in them. Often using underlying themes, the plays will relate to the political issues of the current state of the world. While in all plays this is the case, Comedic plays tend to shift their weight to this, whereas Tragic plays are more subtle.

 

The Tragic Theatre

 

The Tragic theatre is an art form that draws on the most awful and saddening emotions and actions that one could imagine. Predominantly focused on a more historical and realistic setting with more realistic consequences and issues befalling the main characters. It consists of three different parts, first the introduction, the development and the climax and fallout.

 

The introduction- The scene is set, characters are introduced to the audience and then the problem affecting them will either begin or be introduced. Following this the chorus will begin to weigh in with their opinions on the matters from the beginning, offering a summation of what is occurring as well.

 

The development- The play develops further, arguments are made as everyone formulates a plan on how to deal with the evil affecting them, however a fatal flaw of the main character is made aware, and with that foreshadowing is formed. Once more the chorus appears and summises what has occurred and then give their opinion.

 

The climax and fallout- The protagonists come face to face with what has been causing them their troubles, in the shape of an antagonist or something metaphorical. Their attempts to stop it will fail and some may die or suffer life changing injuries. The chorus then appears for the last time and explains the entire play’s story before the remaining protagonists appear and the fallout is shown as it all draws to an end.

 

    There are several nuances of the tragic play, first and foremost they more often take place in a place that the audience is supposed to dislike, however this is not necessary. In addition, the protagonist of the play is not necessarily someone the audience to is supposed to like, merely the main character who will be the object of the problem and downfall that is witnessed. Finally, 

 

The Comedic Theatre

 

Set in a more fantastical world, often involving magic and mythological ideas, the comedic play introduces more foolish and crude elements into its writing, causing it to be a more entertaining performance for the masses. It often develops from a more inane conflict and journey. It also consists of three parts, the introduction, the debate and parabason, and the resolution.

 

The introduction- The scene is set, the main characters introduced and a debate piece is set. This debate will likely be metaphorical in nature, using people or objects as representations of abstract concepts, such as duty and righteousness. Then, as with tragic plays the chorus shall appear and offer their opinions on the matter and summarise the events thus far.

 

The debate and parabason- The debate begins, one character on each side debating their opinions as the protagonist mediates the debate, offering agreements to one side or the other for each debate point. After the debate and before the resolution, the chorus, led by one member will begin the parabason, in which the metaphorical debate is put into a literal sense, of which comments on an aspect on the politics of Almaris. 

 

The resolution- The protagonist of the events will surmise the debates made and then credits each strong argument made by each side, however they will then offer who they believe won the argument, ensuring that all know exactly why.

 

    The comedic theatre of Balian has its own nuances, firstly that the debate taking place within the play must have a clear victor towards the end, to ensure that the point is adequately gotten across. The costumes of the actors are often very comedic in nature, appearing to be funny to the majority of people with their clothing being abnormal and eccentric.

 

Signed,

The Seneschal of Balian, Lord Ledicort of House Vuiller

[TheCapybara 1803]

A bardic Athri'onn with a passion of the arts. Plans a trip to the Kingdom hidden within the sands of the south.