Origins of Theatre

Question 1

Elements of Theatre

Answer 1

literary, technical, performance

Question 2

Aristotle’s Poetics

Answer 2

Greek treatise on aesthetics exploring what makes good poetry, especially in drama.

Question 3

Aesthetics

Answer 3

Philosophy of beauty and artistic principles

Question 4

Mimesis

Answer 4

Greek concept essential to human interactions; the art of imitation & representation.

Question 5

Aristotle’s Character Types

Answer 5

1. superior (gods, heroes, kings)
2. inferior (villains)
3. equals (everyone else)

Question 6

Greek Genres

Answer 6

Satyr, Comedy, Tragedy

Question 7

Satyr Play

Answer 7

The oldest Greek drama; a lewd & lowbrow ritual honoring Dionysus.

Question 8

Greek Comedy

Answer 8

A lampoon - criticized beliefs and public figures via ridicule or sarcasm; think South Park.

Question 9

Greek Tragedy

Answer 9

Painfully serious, meant to refine & guide the morality of the people, usually by highlighting the hubris of the “hero”.

Question 10

Aeschylus

Answer 10

Greek playwright known for tragedies; Introduced a 2nd actor, improved costume design.

Question 11

Oresteia

Answer 11

Tragedy by Aeschylus in which King Aegamemnon sacrifices his daughter for glory in battle, setting off the cycle of vengeance.

Question 12

Sophocles

Answer 12

Greek playwright known for tragedies, esp. the Theban Plays; Added a 3rd character, painted scenery, and made arrogance/hubris a standard of tragedy.

Question 13

Antigone

Answer 13

Play by Sophocles; Grieving sister buries traitor brother against the king’s wishes, leading to a lot of suicides, including her fiance, the king’s son.

Question 14

Euripides

Answer 14

Greek tragedian playwright known for The Bacchae, which calls into question the nature of society.

Question 15

Catharsis

Answer 15

Provided by the arts, a strong emotional experiences which lead to a sense of purification or release.

Question 16

Romanticism

Answer 16

literary movement in which the author expresses unfettered emotion; self catharsis.

Question 17

skene

Answer 17

Greek; backstage area meant for quick costume changes and waiting

Question 18

ampitheatre

Answer 18

Greek; theatres built into a slope with a stage

Question 19

skenographia

Answer 19

painted backdrop on the surface of the skene; the beginning of set design.

Question 20

Ekkyklema

Answer 20

early form of special effects; large wheeled platforms used for changing or adding to the setting and removing dead characters from stage.

Question 21

Mechane

Answer 21

ancient version of wire-flying/rigging using rope, crane, and pulleys.

Question 22

Theatre of Dionysus

Answer 22

A form of worship in which the ampitheatre serves as a ritual space.

Question 23

parados

Answer 23

Greek; entrances & exits for actors AKA the wings.

Question 24

Roman Theatre

Answer 24

borrowed heavily from the Greek and Etruscans; considered a right of citizenship; began as religious events.

Question 25

fabula atellana

Answer 25

Roman; farcical short improv based on daily life, using stock characters and costumes.