Theatre History Flashcards

These organizations took over the presentation of scenes from the clergy.

When did the first scene of a mass take place?

Carts used to present plays were called _____ wagons.

Each cycle told a ____ story.

Tropes told stories from this book.

This pope moved the plays outside the church.

At the beginning of the Middle Ages, only____ players continued to perform.

At first, the church allowed theatre.

Theatre was at its peak during this time.

Short religious scenes presented together became known as_______.

This group watched the cycles.

A short scene inserted into the church service.

By the end of the Middle Ages, this type of play was being produced.

The first scene to be portrayed in a church showed this.

Another name for the Middle Ages.

Eventually, the presentation of scenes was moved here.

This was sometimes built on the steps of the church; entire cycles could be performed on it.

These men were the first actors in Medieval drama.

As tropes grew in popularity, they became more _______.

Historical Context of Theatre

Craft guilds took over the presentation of theatrical scenes originally performed by the clergy.
During the Middle Ages, the church outlawed theatre, impacting its development.
The Greek Era marked the peak of theatrical performance and artistry.

Festivals and Presentations

Easter was the time when the first scene of a mass was presented, aligning with the Christian liturgical calendar.
Pageant wagons were used to transport and present plays, enhancing mobility in performances.

Structure of Performances

Each cycle of plays told a complete story, allowing for a cohesive narrative.
Tropes were short scenes inserted into church services, often derived from biblical stories.

Shifts in Performance Locations

Pope Innocent moved theatrical performances outside of church venues, indicating a shift towards public performances.
Eventually, stages were constructed outdoors, allowing entire cycles to be depicted in a public setting.

Audience Engagement

The congregation served as the audience for the cycles, highlighting the communal aspect of these performances.
By the end of the Middle Ages, secular plays emerged, indicating a transition towards non-religious themes in theatre.

Development of Theatre Form and Content

The first scene portrayed in a church was the Resurrection, emphasizing the religious roots of early theatre.
As tropes gained popularity, they became more elaborate, reflecting the evolving complexity of performances.

Terminology and Key Figures

The term "cycles" refers to a collection of short religious scenes presented together, providing variety and depth.
Priests were among the first actors in Medieval drama, blending their religious roles with performance art.
The Middle Ages is alternatively known as the Medieval period, encapsulating a significant era in theatrical history.

Test your knowledge on key terms and concepts from theatre history with these flashcards. Explore the roles of craft guilds, the significance of Easter in early theatre, and learn about pageant wagons and cycle stories.