TERMS TO KNOW
An elaborate painted backdrop that exemplifies a story
What is an illumination
Churches needed to make Bible stories visual because the masses were this
What is illiterate?
All roles were performed by these
What are men?
Parts of this country ruled Italy during the Renaissance
What is France?
Converted into theatres
What are tennis courts?
Comic bits, stage business, & physical movements of commedia dell’arte
What is lazzi?
Produced mystery plays in towns
What are tradespersons or guilds?
Two types of playhouses/theatres
What are public and private?
Most popular and influential performance forms in Western theatre history
What is commedia dell'arte?
One Day - One Location - One Plot
What are the 3 Unities?
A lengthy, exaggerated, and passionate speech
What is a tirade?
Where many things happen at the same time
What is a Simultaneous or Multiple Stage?
Iambic pentameter helped actors with this
What is line memorization (i.e. memorizing lines)
What is improv/improvisation?
Battle of witty dialogue between 2 characters
What is repartee?
Allegorical tales depicting common people facing great temptation
What are morality plays?
Modern-day pageant wagon
What is a parade float?
These are above Humanity on the Great Chain of Being
What are God and Angels?
Capitano, Il Doctore, and Pantalone
Who are the Masters stock characters in commedia dell'arte?
Professional performers who performed through the country
What are strollers?
the “appearance of truth”; theatrical depiction/exploration of people and events on stage as they happen in real life
What is verisimilitude?
Paradise, Prison and Hell
What are mansions?
Public playhouses closed because of this
What is the plague?
Highly self-absorbed members of high society with hand props
Who are the lovers (commedia dell'arte)?
Element of seduction, pair of young lovers, repartee, & social faux pas.
What are elements of Comedy of Manners?