A brief summary of symbolic theater's history, leaders, and influences.

1. SYMBOLIC THEATRE
IN SEVEN MINUTES

2. • Symbolism in drama was the leading movement of the late
nineteenth century and the early twentieth century(1880-1910)
which sought to replace realistic representation of life with the
expression of inner truth. (revelation and depiction of inner
life/thoughts/feelings) Symbolist drama used myths, legends, and
symbols in an attempt to reach beyond everyday reality; it was
closely linked to symbolist poetry.
DETAILS: HISTORY AND INTENT

3. DEFINITION AND HOW USED
• A symbol implies a greater meaning than the literal
suggestion and is usually used to represent something
other than what it is at face value. Symbolism in the
theatre can be achieved via characters, colour, movement,
costume and props. (Rose, cross, red)

4. STYLE AND INFLUENCES
• The chief influences on Symbolist Theatre were Richard Wagner with his
emphasis on myth; and the poet and critic Stéphane Mallarmé who
said" Depict, not the object, but the effect which it produces."
• Strictly symbolist plays had almost no plot action, but often took the
form of lyric drama. It was static, indirect, evocative, and often
ceremonial. It attempted to present those things that are hard to
present literally by using symbols, metaphors, poetry, and music. There
is often a strong element of mysticism and spirituality in symbolic
theatre as well. Because of the lack of action the plays were generally
shorter and the movement was not widespread, with its main
supporters in France.

5. LEADERS IN THE MOVEMENT
• Leading symbolist playwright-Villiers de L'isle-Adam- whose most important
play was called Axel (Theme-love and religion).
• Most successful symbolist dramatist- Maurice Maeterlinck-The Intruder
(Theme-death)
• One of the final plays bearing the stamp of symbolism was The Tidings
Brought to Mary (1921) by Paul Claudel.

6. INFLUENCE ON OTHER THEATRE
• The symbolist movement influenced the anti realist theatre and many playwrights
such as Ibsen(A Doll's House/When we Dead Awaken) and Strindberg(Miss Julie/The
Ghost Sonata) who started out as realists used symbolist traits as part of their later
works. Since it's debut, symbolist theater traits have been used and continue to be
used in all different types of anti realist theatre such as Peking opera in Asia, avant
guard and brechtian theater. Wedekind's Spring Awakening combines traits from
symbolism, the grotesque and realism. The Crucible is a good example of a more
modern American, symbolist play. Tennessee Williams The Milk train Doesn't Stop
Here Anymore is another example of a more modern play that uses symbolism.

7. SOURCES
• A Ghost Sonata
https://youtu.be/mnzhjJWbDas
• Goldfarb, Wilson. "Living Theatre: History of Theatre" McGraw Hill. New York.
2008. CH. 12. Print.
• Quick web browser search for definitions.