Terms from History
The greeks saw tragic plays as an opportunity to purge themselves of emotions, what they called this.
What is catharsis?
These are easily recognizable, stereotypical fictional characters that recur often in a particular literary tradition.
What are stock characters?
One reason to study theatre history is that we can draw this from past practitioners to inform our current productions.
What is inspiration?
This is the name for the audience, meaning "the seeing place" in Greek.
What is the Theatron?
These short biblical scenes presented by Monks for the Easter mass began liturgical theatre in the medieval period.
What are tropes?
This was the first christian emperor of Rome, and helped to spread christianity throughout Europe.
Who is Constantine I?
We also study history to help us understand the context and development of these, such as stock characters, chorus, slapstick, the fourth wall, etc.
What are dramatic conventions?
known as "the dancing place," this is where actors performed.
What is the orchestra?
These are specific techniques employed by actors, directors, or playwrights to create a desired effect or style
What are dramatic conventions?
These are the three main types of Commedia characters.
What are Masters, Servants (Zanni), and Lovers?
Theatre (and all arts) provide an avenue to be “in __________________” with the past, present, and future.
What is conversation?
These were the entrances/exits for ancient greek actors
What are the Parados?
This is the "picture frame" around a stage, and is the most commonly used type of stage in modern times.
What is a proscenium?
A character that represents an idea or trait.
What is an allegorical character?
Understanding the context of the piece of art and how past artists used their work to _____________ on their situation helps us to do the same.
What is comment or reflect?
This was the "scene building" behind the playing space
What is the skene?
This means "of or relating to the church, particularly the Catholic church"
What is liturgical?
The german canoness who is known as the first female playwright.
Theatre _________ us as humans; let's face it, human emotions and motivations haven't changed much over the years.
what is "connects"?
This was the area on top of the skene