Fairy Play

Fairy Play

 

(in French, féerie). (1) A type of play based on the use of stage effects, stunts, and transformation scenes. Special stage machinery and sound and lighting effects are used to depict fantastic or unusual events.

The fairy play originated in Italy in the 17th century and underwent further development in Great Britain. Many operas and ballets, as well as theatrical performances at fairs in France in the 17th and 18th centuries, were similar to fairy plays. In the early 19th century fairy plays were staged in Russia in balagans (seeBALAGAN) at open-air gatherings. The fairy plays staged in the second half of the 19th century by the director M. V. Lentovskii and the stage engineer K. F. Val’ts were marked by spectacular stage effects and brilliant inventiveness.

(2) A circus performance that uses varied stage effects.