Greek
Roman
Medieval
Italian Renaissance
Elizabethan
100
A square with a roof, held up by columns. Used as a music hall. Brockett states that it was built by Pericles in 440 B.C. in the Theatre of Dionysus. Bieber, however, states that it was built between 446-442 B.C.
What is Odeum (or Odeion)
100
The actors of the Roman hilaro-tragodia farce were called this:
What is Phlyakes
100
These, also called “houses” were simply alcoves in the church where a small set representing the scene where this performance takes place was placed. They symbolized places such as heaven, hell, the house of the disciples, etc
What is Mansions
100
In 1508, the vernacular drama was launched in Italy with this play.
What is Ludovico Ariosto’s La Cassaria
100
It was built by James Burbage in London in 1599, burned down in 1613, rebuilt in 1614, and torn down by Puritans in 1644, and served as the home of Shakespeare’s company.
What is The Globe
200
A crane devised around 430 B.C. to bring in divinities or make characters fly or float. It was a crane and pulley device mounted on one side of the wings (parascenia), which brought actors from behind the episcenium and suspended them, or set them down on the roof of the scene building or into the orchestra, or vice-versa
What is Machina
200
Gnaeus Naevius used Roman subjects for his native comedies and tragedies, thereby creating the first Roman national drama. It was called
What is Fabula Praetexta
200
These plays were concerned with biblical themes, especially the events in the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Christ. They were produced all over England, however, most of the extant ones are from the York, the Chester, the Wakefield, and the N____ Town (place unknown). After being banished from the church, they first moved to the churchyard, then to the town square, and sometimes even to tavern yards. Telling the story from Creation to the Day of Judgement, from the Old Testament, to the Resurrection of Christ, sometimes lasting seven days in performance. The church approved manuscripts, and various trade guilds would perform the plays and carry them throughout the town on pageant wagons.
What is Cycle Plays
200
This theatre was built in 1618, and considered to be the prototype of the modern stage, as it has a permanent proscenium arch.
What is Teatro Farnese
200
The first tragedy written in Elizabethan England.
What is Gorboduc
300
These were pyramid-shaped columns used as settings in Ancient Greek Theatre.
What is Periaktoi
300
These were naval battles held in large amphitheatres in Ancient Rome.
What is Naumachiae
300
This medieval writer was a nun at Gandersheim in Northern Germany wrote six plays modeled after Terrence’s comedies, but used religious subjects, and is the first recorded feminist view in playwriting history.
What is Hrosvitha
300
A scene changing system of the Italian Renaissance, that had set pieces on wheels that were pulled into place by poles, or a pulley and crank system usually located underneath the stage.
What is Chariot and Pole
300
Shows given at court, in Elizabethan England, to invited audiences only. These were typically done by professional troupes, and the costuming and scenery for them was incredibly lavish.
What is Court Masques
400
Many innovations in Greek Theatre were made by this man. He was the first to make impersonation ( “mimisus”, or “mimicry”) a part of the dithyramb. Reputed to be the first actor in Ancient Greek theatre. He invented mimicry, and the prologue.
What is Thespis
400
In 393 A.D. This Roman ruler made the profession of any religion other than Christianity unlawful.
What is Theodosius I
400
This is the earliest surviving medieval church text of a reenactment, which dates from the ninth century, from France.
What is Quem Quaeritis
400
These were short productions that were inserted between the acts of court performances in the Italian Renaissance. They gradually became more and more lavish.
What is Intermezzi
400
He is said to have been the most important writer of the Elizabethan age, whose works were far superior to any of his contemporaries. Wrote 38 plays.
What is William Shakespeare
500
A stage is finally erected before the scene building. The stage was then referred to as the logium, and the playing area on top of the proscenium became the
What is Theologium
500
In Rome, this was especially well developed, and it was in this type of drama that women first appeared on stage, often half naked.
What is Mime
500
Morality Plays, of which this one is the most famous, are usually found with allegorical characters, and cause one to examine his own life and realize how his past and present actions relate to his salvation.
What is Everyman
500
An offshoot of the Italian Renaissance, it held verisimilitude, or the appearance of truth, and adherence to the three unities to be of utmost importance.
What is Neoclassicism
500
An actor, and head of the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, he built The Theatre in 1576. It was the first permanent theatre in Elizabethan England.
What is James Burbage
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