What year marks the beginning of the Realism movement in theatre?

The year 1852 is often cited as a significant point in the Realism movement in theatre, largely due to the works of playwrights such as Henrik Ibsen, who began to focus on the depiction of everyday life and the struggles of the common person. This marked a shift away from the grand, romanticized narratives of previous theatrical styles. Realism sought to present characters and situations in a more truthful and relatable manner, emphasizing the social conditions and issues of the time.

The movement was a reaction against the idealism of Romanticism, leading to a dramatic style that introduced more complex characters and realistic dialogues. Ibsen's plays, starting to emerge in the early 1850s, exemplified these shifts, reflecting the realities of contemporary society and focusing on issues like gender roles, class struggles, and morality. This helps to solidify 1852 as a pivotal year in the history of theatre, marking the formal recognition of Realism as a dominant theatrical form.