Questions and Answers
Hrosvitha, a nun, is credited as the first female dramatist.
True
Which refers to the main acting space of a Classical Greek theatre?
Which is NOT a writer of Classical Greek Tragedy?
The rise of what helped cause the decline of theatrical activity in Rome?
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Who was given the responsibility of putting on the plays of the Corpus Christi festival in medieval England?
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Which did not write Roman comedy?
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Which statement best describes the medieval convention of 'mansion and platea' staging?
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What function did the chorus serve in the Classical Greek theatre?
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As variety entertainments diminished in popularity, Roman tragedy grew in popularity.
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Like the Greek theatre which influenced it, the Roman theatre used a chorus to perform songs between the episodes.
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Which of the following statements is true?
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Because of the three actor rule, the actor playing Oedipus also played which of the following parts?
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Which of the following statements is true?
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During the Middle Ages, the movement from Liturgical to Vernacular religious drama saw performances of drama move outside of the church and into larger community spaces.
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With what Greek god was theatre primarily associated?
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Like religious plays, morality plays treated biblical or saintly characters.
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What instrument's music accompanied most of the lines in a Roman play?
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Greek theatrical performances were offered at each of the many different religious festivals honoring various Greek gods.
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The use of masks in Greek theatre served what purpose?
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Study Notes
Hrosvitha and Early Theatre
- Hrosvitha is recognized as the first female dramatist, marking a significant milestone in theatre history.
Classical Greek Theatre
- The main acting space in Classical Greek theatre is known as the Orchestra.
- Aristophanes is notable for writing Old Comedy, while Sophocles, Aeschylus, and Euripides are known for Classical Greek Tragedy.
- Greek theatrical performances were not exclusively offered at numerous religious festivals.
Roman Theatre
- The decline of theatrical activity in Rome was influenced by the rise of the Greek military state.
- Seneca did not write Roman comedy; Terence and Plautus were key writers in this genre.
- Most surviving Roman comedies are adaptations of previous Greek plays.
Medieval Theatre
- During the Corpus Christi festival in medieval England, trade guilds were responsible for producing plays.
- The "mansion and platea" staging convention allowed the platea to serve as flexible stage space, complementing various mansions which represented specific locations.
- Transitioning from Liturgical to Vernacular religious drama, performances shifted from church settings to larger community spaces.
Role of the Chorus
- In Classical Greek theatre, the chorus expressed opinions, provided advice, and represented the ideal spectator, fulfilling multiple functions.
Instruments in Roman Plays
- Flutes typically accompanied most lines in Roman dramas, creating a musical component integral to performances.
Morality and Religious Plays
- Unlike morality plays that focused on ethical dilemmas, drama during this period did not always treat biblical figures directly.
Masks in Greek Theatre
- Masks played a critical role in Greek theatre by facilitating rapid character changes, enabling male actors to portray female roles, and enhancing communication in large performance spaces.
Current Events in Old Comedy
- Old Comedy was distinct from Greek Tragedy in its focus on contemporary social and political issues, reflecting the dynamics of the time.
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Description
Test your knowledge on key concepts from Chapter 4 of The 131. This quiz covers significant figures in theatre history, especially those related to Classical Greek drama. Enhance your understanding of dramatists and theatre spaces with these flashcards.
