Ancient Greece
What is the name of the large outdoor performance space used by the Greeks that often used natural slopes for seating?
The amphitheater
Compared to Greek theater, did Romans generally emphasize spectacle or philosophical/spiritual themes?
Spectacle
During the Middle Ages, which institution governed much of theater and turned religious stories into dramatic performances?
The Church
What country is named as the origin of commedia dell'arte?
Italy
In which country was William Shakespeare born?
England (Stratford-upon-Avon)
What group in Greek tragedy commented on the action, gave background, and represented public opinion?
The Chorus
Name one kind of violent public spectacle that Romans staged for entertainment.
Gladiator battles or animal battles (also naval mock battles)
What type of medieval play dramatized the lives and miracles of saints?
Miracle plays
What is a stock character?
A stock character is a stereotyped character easily recognized by the audience
Name two of the three genres of plays Shakespeare wrote.
Tragedy, Comedy, History
Name one famous Greek tragedian (playwright) whose works influenced Western theater.
Aeschylus, Sophocles, or Euripides
Which element commonly present in Greek plays was removed in Roman adaptations of Greek tragedies?
The Chorus
What mobile staging method was used in this period to present different biblical scenes through town?
Pageant wagons
What is "lazzi" in commedia dell'arte performance?
Lazzi are short improvised comedic bits or physical gags
What is a soliloquy and how is it different from a monologue?
Monologue: speech by one character addressed to others or audience; Soliloquy: the character is alone on stage and speaks thoughts aloud (reveals inner thoughts)
Explain the typical purpose of Greek theater in society (cultural/spiritual role) in one sentence.
To serve as a cultural and spiritual practice, often linked to civic ritual and communal reflection
What term refers to Roman public festivals where theatrical events were staged?
Ludi
In morality plays, characters often personified ideas. Give two examples of personified concepts in Everyman.
Everyman, Death, Good Deeds, God, etc.
How did commedia dell'arte actors commonly present their plays across Europe?
They traveled in troupes performing in town centers
Give two universal themes Shakespeare explored.
Examples: Love, Grief, Family, Jealousy, Betrayal, Insanity, Power, Identity
Identify and briefly describe the main structural element(s) Greeks emphasized in tragic drama.
Central tragic hero with moral purpose, Catharsis, emphasis on Plot.
Explain one major way Roman comedy differed from Greek tragedy in terms of audience focus and content.
Roman comedy favored spectacle, satire of the rich/powerful, and broad entertainment rather than Greek tragic moral/philosophical exploration
Describe how medieval theater served audiences who could not read.
Theater presented Bible stories and moral lessons in performance for largely illiterate audiences, conveying scripture and doctrine visually
Name three stock characters from commedia dell'arte and give a one-word descriptor for each
Pantalone — old merchant; Il Dottore — the learned (often pompous) figure; Il Capitano — boastful soldier; (other acceptable: Arlechino/Arlecchino — trickster/servant; Columbina — clever maid; Zanni — servant)
List and briefly explain two strategies for translating and performing Shakespeare to help modern readers/actors understand the text.
Research unfamiliar words/phrases; 2) Mark beats (thought changes) and pause between them; 3) Apply emotion/purpose to each beat; 4) Highlight words to emphasize with voice/gesture