Baroque in the Theatre

The trend for extravagance also reigned in the theatre where elaborate costumes and headdress (ex.32) were used along with impressive machinery (Orrey 1972:39). The baroque stage was characterised by ‘lightweight changing forms and dynamic transformation’. (Kernodle 1989: 431)

  

                        (Example 32 ‘A scene from Lully’s Thesée’ Carlo Vigarini)

                                                         (Orrey 1972:39)

An important innovation in baroque stage machinery were flat wings (ex.33) which  permitted up to fifteen scene changes as opposed to only two to three which were possible with the previously used angle wings (ex.34). The scene changes could also be made considerably faster - in two to three seconds before an audience’s eyes. (Kernodle 1989: 429)

                                                 (Example 33 ‘Angle wings’)

                                                        (Kostof 1985:522)

                                                     (Example 34 ‘Flat wings’)

                                                           (Kostof 1985:522)

Similarly, the backdrop was changeable as now it was put together of two sets of half-shutters, held in by grooves, which could be slid to the sides. (Kernodle 1989: 429) 

The new machinery permitted interplay of heaven and earth in which messengers descended from heaven and choruses of angels and images of palaces and thrones were lowered in front of the scenery. (Kernodle 1989: 429)