The Synthesis of the Arts and Its Influence on Modern Theatre Architecture

Abstract

The original idea of the synthesis of the arts dates back as far as ancient Greece, particularly to the archaic period, when art was syncretic. The notion of ‘the synthesis of the arts’ appeared in the modern era in the 19th century. The primary promoter of the synthesis of the arts at that time was Richard Wagner, who wanted to create a musical drama combining theatre, poetry, music, dance, painting and sculpture. This idea extended to architecture. A significant number of modern theatre buildings, influenced by the search for a synthesis of the arts, have changed the way in which the inner space is shaped. The way the theatre space affects the audience has also changed. The author would like to specify and examine those elements that have radically transformed the modern theatre space, and their introduction was possible due to the aforementioned search.