Theatre Around the World

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Questions and Answers

What did Aristotle see humans as naturally?

Imitative (correct)

Analytical

Non-imitative

Creative

What is one of the fundamental pleasures mentioned in the text?

Mathematical problem-solving

Reading and writing

Relating and listening (correct)

Physical exercise

What distinguishes the theatre in ancient Egypt from that in ancient Greece?

Ritualized performances and repeating the same ceremonies every year

Organizing performative elements into artistic experiences

Acknowledging the value of theatre as an autonomous and artistic activity

Developing new plays each year (correct)

What does comedy require according to the text?

Sufficient detachment to view deviations from norms as ridiculous Signup and view all the answers

What was the main tool mentioned for people to define and understand their world or escape from unpleasant realities?

Theatre Signup and view all the answers

What did the ancient Greeks do with their theatre each year?

Presented new plays Signup and view all the answers

What does mimesis represent according to the text?

"Core principle of theatre" Signup and view all the answers

What is considered of great importance for theatre as an autonomous and artistic activity?

A society that acknowledges its value Signup and view all the answers

What did Martin Bernal argue regarding European culture?

"Influence of Egyptian, black African, and Near Eastern contributions" Signup and view all the answers

"What is seen as a core principle of theatre according to the text?"

Mimesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the essence of theatre according to the text?

Myth and storytelling Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'Theatron' refer to in old Greek?

A place to see Signup and view all the answers

What did western scholars who believed in 'cultural Darwinism' purport about theatres?

They are superior to non-Western artforms Signup and view all the answers

What is the commonality between different types of theatre mentioned in the text?

They all have a stage and an audience Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Spectare' mean in French?

To watch or view Signup and view all the answers

What represents the supernatural forces in theatre?

Costumes and makeup Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of mythology in theatre, as per the text?

It represents supernatural forces and stories Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'Shibai' mean in Japanese?

To be on the grass (something that is in front of you) Signup and view all the answers

What is the prototype of theatres according to the text?

Myth and storytelling Signup and view all the answers

What is the essence of theatre, as per the text?

Mythology and rituals Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Theatre is a place for an audience to view performances, originating from the Greek word "Theatron" which means a place to see.
Theatre evolved from rituals and myths, with the repetition of actions forming fixed ceremonies or rituals, and myths serving as a means to represent supernatural forces.
Myths in theatre often involve the performance of stories about supernatural forces, with performers wearing costumes and impersonating characters.
The essence of theatre lies in the ritual of repeating and refining actions, the representation of myths, and the pleasure humans derive from imitation.
Ancient Greek theatre is distinguished from earlier societies by its separation from rituals and focus on artistic expression, while ancient Egyptian theatre remained more ritualistic and static.
The Greeks took a decisive step towards an autonomous theatre by presenting new plays each year, while ancient Egyptian theatre remained focused on re-enacting the same rituals for centuries.
Scholarship on the history of theatre has been criticized for erasing the contributions of African and Asian cultures to European theatre.
Myths in theatre often tell stories of supernatural forces, with characters being impersonated by performers in costumes.
The Greeks developed theatres that were focused on artistic expression, while ancient Egyptian theatres remained more ritualistic and static.
The pleasure humans derive from theatre comes from imitation, the representation of myths, and the ritual of repeating and refining actions.
The essence of theatre can be traced back to the repetition of rituals and the telling of myths, which provided a means for humans to understand and interpret their world or escape from unpleasant realities.
Ancient Greek theatre is distinguished from earlier societies by its separation from rituals and focus on artistic expression, while ancient Egyptian theatre remained more ritualistic and static.
The contributions of African and Asian cultures to European theatre have been erased from history, according to some scholars.

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Description

Explore different theatre structures and traditions from around the world, including the reconstructed theatre of Dionysus in Athens, Japanese traditional theatre, and Kunqo opera theatre in China. Learn about the commonalities and cultural influences in these diverse theatre forms.