Questions and Answers
Describe the theatrical practices in France during the early part of the 17th century.
No scenes, still like medieval and no scenic effects, religious arch.
Name two people who were extremely influential in the introduction of Italian theatrical practices to France.
Cardinal Richelieu and Catherine de Medicci.
What was the Confrerie de la Passion?
Played and presented religious plays.
What were the contributions of the Hotel de Bourgogne to French theatre?
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What is the French Academy?
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Who was responsible for Palais Royal's creation?
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Who was Pierre Corneille?
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Describe the controversy surrounding Pierre Corneille's play Le Cid.
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Who was Jean Racine?
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What was Phaedra about?
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Who was Moliere?
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What were Moliere's contributions to French theatre?
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What was the name of Moliere's acting troupe?
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What types of dramatic works did Moliere write?
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Moliere was well known for shocking audiences. How did he do so?
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Which Italian form of theatre greatly influenced Moliere's writing?
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What was the biggest controversy surrounding Moliere's play Tartuffe?
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Describe French acting companies.
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What are societaries?
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What are pennsionaries?
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Who was Giacomo Torelli?
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What is significant about the Theatre du Marais?
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Why did 17th century French tennis courts make good theatres?
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What is the Palais Royal?
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What was Palais Royal's original name?
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Who commissioned Palais Royal?
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Why was the Palais Royal significant?
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What was the Salle des Machines?
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Why was Salle des Machines built?
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In what ways is the Salle des Machines significant?
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What is the significance of the Comedie Francaise?
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Who established the Comedie Francaise?
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What three troupes made up the Comedie Francaise?
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Study Notes
French Neoclassical Theatre Overview
- Early 17th-century theatre in France lacked scenic effects, resembling medieval practices, and often featured religious themes.
- Notable figures in introducing Italian theatrical practices were Cardinal Richelieu and Catherine de Medicci.
Important Organizations and Contributions
- The Confrérie de la Passion was instrumental in presenting religious plays.
- The Hôtel de Bourgogne was a major venue for French theatre during this period.
- The French Academy, consisting of 40 writers, played a pivotal role in debating dramatic theory and criticism, still active today.
Key Personalities in French Theatre
- Cardinal Richelieu was responsible for creating the Palais Royal theatre.
- Pierre Corneille was a prominent playwright who produced comedies and tragedies, including "El Cid," and adhered strictly to Neoclassical rules; he joined the French Academy in 1647.
- Jean Racine, famous for tragedies like "Phaedra," employed rhyming couplets and adhered to Neoclassical forms, beginning his works just before climactic moments.
- Molière, born Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, was an actor and dramatist known for his social critique through humor, authoring works like "Tartuffe."
Major Works and Controversies
- Corneille's "Le Cid" faced criticism for its dramatic implausibility and moral concerns after one character kills another's father.
- Molière's "Tartuffe" sparked controversy for its negative portrayal of a religious figure and was notable for its farcical approach.
Acting Companies and Structures
- French acting companies included women, had short rehearsal times, produced numerous plays, and used self-provided costumes.
- Societaries were members who owned stock in the acting company, while pensionaries were paid actors.
Architectural Innovations in Theatre
- Giacomo Torelli, known as the "Great Wizard," was an Italian architect who influenced theatre design in France.
- The Théâtre du Marais was the second theatre built in France, while the Palais Royal, originally named Palais Cardinal, was significant as the first proscenium arch theatre, utilizing Italian scenic machinery.
- The Salle des Machines, built for Louis XIV’s marriage, was the largest theatre in Europe, featuring advanced Italian machinery but proved impractical due to its size.
Establishment of National Theatre
- The Comédie-Française, established by Louis XIV in 1680, is regarded as the first national theatre in the world, comprised of the troupes from Marias, Bourgogne, and Molière’s company.
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Description
Explore the key concepts and influential figures of French Neoclassical theatre in the 17th century. This quiz covers theatrical practices, significant contributors, and important organizations of the era. Ideal for students studying French drama and theatre history.