Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

Drama > Drama isms > Flashcards

Drama isms Flashcards

20th cent. isms

1
Q

How did key historical moments influence these movements?

A

A: The Great Depression in the 1930s significantly influenced these movements as there was an economic crisis and rise of dictators

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What do isms reflect

A

They reflect the diverse cultural and social dynamics of the era. Theatre mirrored societal influences and change during this time

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Cycle of influmecial isms

A

Cultural influences
political impact,
social change,
reflection and understanding, emergence of new ideology

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is the transition from Realism in theatre to 20th-century movements?

A

The transition involves various movements rejecting Realist ideologies, emphasizing societal changes and significant historical moments like the Great Depression.

These movements are collectively referred to as the 20th-century ‘isms.’

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What advancements characterized the 20th century?

A

The 20th century saw rapid advancements in science and technology, high literacy rates, and the questioning of traditional beliefs. The questioning of God

New theories emerged, challenging 19th-century religious beliefs.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Who was Friedrich Nietzsche and what were his contributions?

A

Friedrich Nietzsche criticized religion, explored Nihilism, and advocated for individuals to create their own values.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is Charles Darwin known for?

A

Charles Darwin developed the theory of evolution and natural selection, proposing that all species share common descent.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What did Albert Einstein revolutionize?

A

Albert Einstein revolutionized physics with the theory of relativity, transforming the understanding of time, space, mass, and energy.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Capitalism

A

promotes private ownership and market driven economy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

communism

A

encourages communal ownership and equitable distribution

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What characterized the Age of Technology in the 20th century?

A

The Age of Technology saw rapid increases in technology use, improving quality of life [ telephones to communicate, and machninary ] but also leading to negative effects like weapons of mass destruction.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What was the focus of Realism in theatre?

A

Realism focused on accurate, detailed, and unembellished depictions of nature and contemporary life. It dominated theatre in the 20th century. but started to get rejected coz ofits approach

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is Symbolism in theatre?

A

Symbolism is a reaction against Realism’s literalism and objectivity [1880s ]

It focuses on representing emotions and abstract ideas through symbols

Influential practitioner Maurice Maeterlinck used symbols to evoke emotions.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Rejection of Realism

A

Rejected the idea that truth can only be found through rational thinking or sensory experience.

It emphasised subjective reality over objective truth

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

practioner

A

Maurice Materlinck - He used symbols and metaphors to evoke emotions and explore human experiences beyond rational explanation.

His play The Blue Bird is a prime example of this.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What are key features of Symbolism?

A

metaphorical plays,

ambiguous themes,

Simplicity in set design (with a focus on lighting and effects to create atmosphere)

audience interaction was indirect; the focus was on evoking an emotional response rather than active engagement.

fragmented and poetic dialogue delivered in a staccato manner

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is Expressionism in theatre?

A

Expressionism focuses on presenting the world from the subjective experience of characters, often distorting reality to express emotional states. [ 1905]

it rejected objectivity of realism and used distorting reality to express emotional and psychological state

Influential practitioner Eugene O’Neill explored intense psychological conflict.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What are the key features of Expressionism?

A

Key features include distorted set designs, non-realistic characters, violent emotions, and fragmented dialogue.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

expressionsist Practitioner

A

Eugene O’Neill is one of the most influential figures, especially with his play The Emperor Jones, which explores intense psychological conflict.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Key Features

A

Key Features:
Distorted set designs that reflect the character’s emotional state.

Non-realistic characters; often exaggerated to symbolise specific psychological states or social conditions.

Violent and intense emotions as central themes.

Dialogue can be fragmented, non-naturalistic, and charged with emotional urgency.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What did exp. plays focus on

A

Alienation, personal conflict, and emotional and psychological trauma.

Dialogue: Often intense, fragmented, and disconnected.

Movement: Often exaggerated, disjointed, and symbolic to portray emotional and psychological states.

Technology and Audience Interaction: Use of exaggerated lighting, sharp angles, and distorted set designs to create a heightened emotional atmosphere.

Audience is invited to feel the character’s inner turmoil rather than witness a realistic portrayal.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What is Futurism in theatre?

A

Futurism celebrates speed and technology while rejecting the past, creating art that mirrors the excitement of the modern world. [1900s]

Filippo Tommaso Marinetti was a main founder.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

rejection of realism

A

rejected past traditions and wanted theatre to reflect the speed of the modern world

24
Q

Practitioner

A

Filippo Tommaso Marinetti, the founder of Futurism, used radical new techniques to break down the traditional structure of theatre in plays like Zang Tumb Tumb.

25
What are key features of Futurism?
celebration of technology, fragmented and rapid dialogue, disruptive staging Aggressive loud sounds to create immersive theatre energetic and chaotic movement
26
What is Constructivism in theatre?
Constructivism focuses on creating theatre connected to social and political changes, advocating for functional design and social change in russia after revolution [1920s] ## Footnote Influential practitioner Vsevolod Meyerhold integrated innovative stage designs.
27
rejection of realism
rejected the traditional, bourgeois theatre and advocated for functional, industrial design and a theatre that served as a tool for social change.
28
Practitioner
Vsevolod Meyerhold, who integrated Constructivism into theatre through innovative stage designs and biomechanics, a physical approach to acting
29
What are key features of Constructivism?
Key features include functional set designs, physical theatre, minimalistic dialogue with an emphasis on visual storytelling, and collaborative production. Technology and Audience Interaction: Use of industrial design, multi-functional sets, and experimental techniques. The audience is meant to engage intellectually with the themes of the play.
30
What is Dadaism?
an anti-art movement that embraced absurdity and rejected logic and tradition as it believed logic led man to insanity
31
When did Dadaism begin?
It began in Zurich in 1916 during World War I.
32
Who was an influential practitioner of Dadaism?
Tristan Tzara used absurdity and randomness in his plays, such as The Gas Heart.
33
What are key features of Dada performances?
* Absurd, random, and chaotic performances. * No coherent plot; fragmentation and nonsense. * Non-traditional theatre spaces.
34
What themes did Dada plays focus on?
* Absurdity * Meaninglessness of life * Rejection of societal norms.
35
Describe the dialogue style in Dadaism.
Often fragmented, nonsensical, and disjointed.
36
What is a key aspect of audience interaction in Dada performances?
Involvement in improvised performances and random sound effects.
37
What is Surrealism?
An artistic movement that sought to express the unconscious mind and embrace irrationality.
38
When did Surrealism emerge?
In the 1920s, officially launched by André Breton in 1924.
39
What does Surrealism reject?
The focus on realism’s portrayal of the external world. it delved into the internal world of dreams, desires, and the irrational, attempting to depict a heightened reality through the lens of the subconscious.
40
Who was an influential practitioner of Surrealism?
Antonin Artaud. known for his Theatre of Cruelty
41
What are key features of Surrealist plays?
* Dreamlike scenarios * Absurd characters * Symbolism and visual metaphors. erratic and exaggerated movement Technology and Audience Interaction: Experimental use of lighting and sound to create an otherworldly atmosphere. The audience is engaged in experiencing the mystery and ambiguity of the surreal with minimal logical resolution.
42
What themes did Surrealist plays focus on?
* The subconscious mind * Dreams * The irrational nature of human existence.
43
Describe the dialogue style in Surrealism.
Non-linear and disjointed, sometimes without clear meaning.
44
What is Existentialism?
A philosophical movement focusing on individual freedom, choice, and the inherent meaninglessness of existence. [20th cent, after ww2]
45
What does Existentialism reject?
The fated view of human nature and linear, objective portrayals of life.
46
Who is a key figure in existentialist theatre?
Samuel Beckett. Waiting for Godot
47
What are key features of existentialist plays?
* Focus on absurdity and alienation * Characters face crises of identity * Repetitive and circular dialogue. Technology and Audience Interaction: Set designs are often sparse and symbolic, enhancing the feelings of isolation. Audience interaction is typically passive, as the plays present existential issues without offering any direct answers, forcing the audience to reflect on their own existence.
48
What themes do existentialist plays explore?
* The human condition * Individual freedom * Despair and search for meaning.
49
Describe the movement style in existentialist theatre.
Minimal, reflecting stagnation and paralysis of existence.
50
What is Feminist theatre?
A response to gender inequality and patriarchy that presents women's voices and experiences. 1960s-70s
51
What does Feminist theatre reject?
Traditional male-dominated narratives of Realism.
52
Who is a significant feminist playwright?
Caryl Churchill. Top Girls, which critique patriarchy, gender roles, and social constructs surrounding women’s lives.
53
What are key features of Feminist theatre?
* Gender roles and power dynamics * Exploration of female identity * Non-traditional narratives.
54
What themes do Feminist plays focus on?
* Gender inequality * Women’s voices * Challenges of female identity.
55
Describe the dialogue style in Feminist theatre.
Confrontational, witty, and critical of gender norms.
56
How is technology used in Feminist theatre?
tech is used Symbolically to highlight the oppression or empowerment of women. Audience interaction can be confrontational or encouraging self-reflection on gender issues.

Drama (2 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions