Basic Informatation
Where was Shakespeare born?
Stratford-upon-Avon
When was the Globe Theatre built?
1599
How did audiences behave during performances?
They were loud and interactive
Were women allowed to act on stage?
No
Greek theatre was performed in honor of which god?
Dionysus
What was the skene?
Backstage/dressing structure
What is the prologue?
The opening of the play
What did the chorus represent?
Society or the general public
What famous theatre was Shakespeare associated with?
The Globe Theatre
What shape was the Globe Theatre?
Circular
Who attended the theatre?
All social classes
Why was there little scenery?
Productions relied on imagination
Why were plays performed during the day?
No artificial lighting
What was the thymele?
Altar in the orchestra
What are episodes?
Dialogue scenes between characters
How did the chorus help the audience?
Provided context and commentary
What is another name for Shakespeare?
The Bard
What was the yard?
Standing audience area
What could audiences buy during performances?
Food and drinks
Why were performances often chaotic?
Large, active audiences
How many plays did dramatists present in competition?
Four
What were periaktoi?
Rotating scenery pieces
How many episodes are typically in a Greek tragedy?
3-5
What kind of acting style did the chorus use?
Large, exaggerated gestures
Why do we still have Shakespeare’s plays?
They were recorded and published
What was the tiring house?
Backstage/dressing area
Where did wealthy audiences sit?
In the galleries
How did this affect acting style?
It required bold, physical acting
Greek theatre was closely connected to what?
Religion and society
Where did most violence occur?
Offstage
Why was violence not shown on stage?
Cultural conventions
Where did the chorus originate from?
Religious worship
What are Shakespeare’s insults known for?
Creative language
What was the trapdoor used for?
Entrances and exits
Why was audience reaction important?
It determined the success of a play
Why were theatres built outside the city?
To avoid restrictions
How many people could Greek theatres hold?
Up to 25,000
Why were large gestures necessary?
The theatres were very large
What part of the story is usually shown?
The final crisis
Why were masks important in Greek theatre?
Visibility and multiple roles