Final Exam Study Guide!!
What is a comedy of manners?
Concerned with the manners of society. Moliere was a famous playwright who wrote many influential comedies of manners. He was influenced by commedia dell'arte.
What is a thrust stage?
a stage that extends into the auditorium so that the audience is seated around three sides
What is this class's definition of "acting"?
believable behavior under given circumstances
What was "line of business" (in the context of Restoration Theater)?
A system of character specialization within an acting company, which enabled each member to play a large number of roles within the bounds of his or her own speciality.
What is "claptrap" (in the context of Restoration theater)?
A trick or device to gain applause.
What is epic theater?
AKA Theatre of Alienation Constantly reminded that you are watching a play through stark lighting, bare stages, and long uncomfortable silences
What are closet dramas?
Plays that are meant to be read on the page rather than acted on a stage.
What is a proscenium stage?
Stage is at front with the audience extending back
What is a black box/flexible space?
Stage, wings, and seating can change
IMPORTANT QUOTES
"We shall meet again Ti-Jean You and your new brother! The features will change but the fight is still on!" - quote by the devil "The is always something stronger than you. If not man, animal , is God of Demon"-Quote by Mother "I have no time to waste. I have an arm of ionr, it have nothing, I fraid, man, beast, or beast man, and more quick I get what I want more better."-Gros-Jean "Every morning I sit here. And see the relics of success, an arm of iron turned to rust not strong enough to turn the dirt"-Cricket "Gros Jean was strong but had no sense"-Bird "I don't mind talking to you, but don't insult me, telling me a goat have more sense than I, than me. Then both of we"--Mi-Jean "The first of my children Never asked for my strength, the second of my children thought little of my knowledge, the last of my sons, now Kneels at my feet,instinct be your shield, it is wiser than reason, conscience be your cause and plain sense your sword"-Mother "Yes I small maman, I smal and I never learn from a book, but like the small boy Davis. I I go bring down, bring down Goliath"-Ti-jean "Cover your face, the wrinkled face of wisdom, twisted with memory of human pain. It is easier to bear, this is like looking at the blinding grace of God"-Ti-Jean "Who with the devil tries to play fair, weaves the net of his own despair"-Ti-Jean "What is this cooling my face, washing it like a wind of morning. Tears!Tears! Then this is the magnificence I have heard of, Of Man, the chink in his armour, the destruction of the Self? Is the the strange strange wonder that is sorrow?-Devil ● "Come on little brother. And you, little creatures. Ti-Jean must go on. Here's a bundle of sticks that Old wisdom has forgotten. Together they are strong, apart they are all rotten. Good luck after the wise, and look after the strong, but the fool in his folly will always live long" quote by Ti-Jean
When did actresses first appear on the British stage?
1660 (with the start of the Restoration)
19th Century Drama- Turn of the 20th Century Technical changes- use powerpoint on Sakai to review technical innovations. What do we mean by the 4th wall? What type of set was popular? 1840- Why did designers emerge in the 19th century? How did lighting affect the costumes? Why did the director emerge during this period?
19th Century Drama- Turn of the 20th Century Technical changes- use powerpoint on Sakai to review technical innovations. Gas jets changed lighting technology More visible character/costume machinery More research on play, director What do we mean by the 4th wall? On the stage the proscenium Opening became the fourth wall "Wall" between dramatic scene and audience What type of set was popular? Box set, 3-walled roofed setting, with imaginary fourth wall implied, 3D moldings/fake outdoor scenery on backdrop 1840- Why did designers emerge in the 19th century? How did lighting affect the costumes? In 1840 costumes began to accurately reflect the period of the drama Designers began to research the period of the play in an effort to reproduce accurate clothing Good lighting demanded better costumes and better scenery Why did the director emerge during this period? Due to emerging complexity she/he fulfilled a need
MY FAIR LADY -questions based on seeing the production.
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What was neoclassicism in theater (in the context of Theater in France under King Louis XI)?
An attempt to emulate the classical attitudes toward art - based on Order, Control, Decorum, Verisimilitude, Reason, and Harmony.
What is an arena stage?
Any theater space in which the audience completely surrounds the stage area
What are the three principle roles in Kabuki Theater?
Aragoto, Wagato, and Onnagato
When was the "Restoration" in England, why was it called that, and who was on the throne?
Began in 1660. Called the Restoration because English monarchs were restored in England. Also, restored much of the culture and settlements. King Charles II was the monarch.
What is poetic realism?
Began in Ireland 1904 Used the language of peasants Dialogue was distinct, colorful, and poetic
What is puppet theater?
Bunraku Chikamatsu Wrote for puppet and kabuki theatre
When is the climax of the play "Fences"?
Climax occurs when Cory and Troy confront each other, Cory picks up the bat and swings at his Dad, who kicks him out. Scene ends with Troy calling death to come and get him.
Romanticism- what are the aspects of romantic drama?
Common people are the heroes Returning to nature and "natural state of being" Passion and feeling > Reason and order
Who is Jerzy Grotowski and what was his philosophy?
Created "poor theater" As opposed to commercialized rich theater
What is the Theater of Cruelty?
Created by Antonin Artaud Civilization made humans sick Solution: connect people back to instinctive roots Removed barrier between audience and actor Preferred theater in the round Screams, grunts Pulsating lights Oversized props
What are the 5 Elements of the well-made play? Who was the creator of this formula?
Created by Eugene Scribe 5 elements Exposition Surprise Suspense Climax Reveal secrets Hero confronts villain and wins Denouement All loose ends are tied up
What are breech roles (in the context of Restoration theater)?
Cross-dressing; women played men's roles
Chinese theater uses non realistic conventions. What are they?
Dance, music, storytelling, and martial arts
What is surrealism?
Distorted reality for emotional purposes Life through the eyes of a dreamer
Who are some famous 19th century actors?
Edmund Kean - 19th century Shakespearean actor. Remembered for his portrayal of Shakespeare's tragic heroes. Edwin Booth- 19th century American actor. Brother of John Wilkes Booth. Ira Aldridge- 19th century actor who left America and became famous for playing Shakespeare's great tragic characters. Elenora Duse- moved away from using set poses to convey emotions to finding emotional truth. Sarah Bernhardt- Famous 19th century French actress. Known for her extravagant behavior. Slept in a coffin in order to connect with her tragic characters. Played Hamlet and made one of the earliest silent films.
What is the significance of Emperor Ming Huang in Chinese theater? Who was the first playwright and critic to examine playwriting in China?
Emperor Ming Huang began formal theater. Li Yu made it possible for women to perform on stage, systematically studying the art of playwriting.
What is folk drama? Who is Paul Green and how is he connected to UNC?
Folk drama at UNC was non-commercial theater based on Appalachian folk tales and tradition. Spear-headed by Paul Green (from which new playmakers theater is named after) Howard University focused on African American folk tales and tradition
What are the conventions of Kabuki Theater?
Hanimichi Costumes and make up Scenic transformations Gesture ( kata) Mie -frozen Tobiroppo -exit dance Michiyuki- journey
Forms of modern drama Heritage of realism-
Forms of modern drama Heritage of realism, poetic realism, expressionism, social realism, surrealism, theater of cruelty, theater of absurd, epic theater Heritage of realism- American realism Problems of the middle class
What is the Friday and Saturday ritual? How does that ritual change during the play?
Friday ritual: In the beginning of the play, Troy and Bono drink together after work. By the end of the play, the ritual is altered, as Lyons comes by before Troy is home, Rose is at church, not cooking dinner for Troy and Bono, and Troy is isolated. Saturday ritual: Rose is doing laundry in the yard, argues with Troy about building the fence, as well as playing the numbers
Howard University focused on African American folk tales and tradition Global drama- African Drama- Roots of African drama. Development of African drama What are the primary sources for Contemporary African drama? What theatrical conventions does black African theater use? Caribbean Drama-
Global drama- African Drama- Western theater bought by colonizers Drama emerged in 1930's Assimilationist dramas Doubts about assimilation/being colonized Rebelling against assimilation/colonization Sources of Contemporary African drama Commercial theatre Universities Professional companies (tour) Village and tribal theatre Theatrical conventions: storytellers/narrators Interaction between audience and performer Informal theatre spaces Masks "Found objects" (they used objects that they found to create things like masks or used them to make costumes) Caribbean Drama: Ti-jean Focus on local social conditions, language, ethnic heritage Carnival: inclusive brings audience and performer together Symbols: Dancing with the devil = the political hardships of the west indies Number 3 (holy trinity) The devil Fiends
How did Noh Theater (of Japan) evolve? Who formalized Noh Theater?
It evolved from two forms Sarugaku- monkey dance Dengaku- field dance Kanami (father) and Zeami (son) formalized Noh theater.
What are the popular themes of Restoration comedies and tragedies?
Marriages of convenience- people seeking "suitable marriages". Social status, financial status, adultery, betrayal
Emerging role of the director- What did these directors contribute to the history of directing?
Meiningen Players Director = producer = controlled the design (unified artistic vision) Ensemble acting Performances by a group of actors where the group is valued over the individual Andre Antoine Founder of Theatre Libre Realistic environments Ensemble acting Authority of the Director Produced controversial plays Stanislavsky Moscow Art Theatre Worked with Chekov Created new form of acting to seek "truthful behavior"
What is expressionism?
No simple definition Alternative to realistic drama Poetic in language and special effects
What is the definition of realism?
Our class definition is ordinary people in ordinary situations
What are patents (in the context of Restoration theater)?
Permission from King Charles to open theaters; he gave two patents to Mr. Killigrew and Mr. Davenant
What is social realism?
Political realism Began in 1930s to open the government's eyes to the effects of unrestrained capitalism Often leftist
What type of stage is the theater in the Stone Center (your classroom)?
Proscenium stage
What was the minstrel show?
RACIST White men donning black face to mock african americans
Raked stages, pits, gallery seating What was the size of a typical company in Paris? Did they have women performers?
Raked stages, pits, gallery seating Raked stages: back of stage higher than front Pits: raked with benched,mid-priced seats Gallery seating: structure projecting from wall, cheap seats What was the size of a typical company in Paris? 8-15 actors Did they have women performers in Paris? Yes, women performed in the French theatre (ex: Tartuffe)
Who created "theater of images"?
Robert Williams Def: LONG multi-media productions with historical characters that are cartoon-like, repetition, and evocative lighting
What three major forms of drama emerged in the 19th century and around the turn of the 20th century?
Romanticism Melodrama Well-made play
What is Theater of the Absurd?
Samuel Beckett (Waiting for Godot) Meaning is a human construct because the world is meaningless Post WWII - it is futile to make sense of the world after such trauma Characters are flat, archetypal, or stereotypical Language is nonsense Plot is absurd and ridiculous Often has humor
What are drolls?
Secret performances were organized known as DROLLS- short versions of full length plays. (I think this is during Restoration theater times in England?)
Spain's Golden Age of Drama What are auto sacramental's? What was the makeup of Spanish theatre companies? Theater of Asia- What are the similarities regarding origins of theater in Asia? In general how does theater in Asia differ from western theater? India
Spain's Golden Age of Drama What are auto sacramentals? One act Religious Dramas (Auto- One Act) What was the makeup of Spanish theatre companies? Garnachas: 6-8 People (Including women) Theater of Asia- What are the similarities regarding origins of theater in Asia? Originates from rites, rituals, ceremony, and theatrical events. In general how does theater in Asia differ from western theater? The style is presentational as opposed to representational. Psychology is not the main concern.
What was the first African American theatre? Who was Daddy Rice or T.D. Rice?
The African Grove theater in 1820-1821 by William Alexander Brown in NY Daddy Rice was the first known performer to portray "Jim Crow"
When did the move to musicals happen and why?
The Creole Show was one of the first musicals in 1891 Attempts by African Americans to redefine their image
What type of stage is the Kenan Theater?
The Kenan is a "flex space"
Who was Constantine Stanislavski? What did he contribute to theater? What method did he encourage actors to use? What was the name of his theatre company? What playwright is associated with his theatre?
The Magic If" Form of actor training Given circumstances and emotional memory AKA Method acting Formed Moscow Art Theater Worked with Anton Chekov Inspired the Group Theatre in America
According to legend how was theater created in India? What are the two forms of Sanskrit drama? What is mudras? Rasa?
Theatre was created by the god to instruct the people. The two forms of drama: Classical drama- origins in dance and relies on mudras (gestures) to instill rasas (emotions) in audience Kathakali- dance drama
The rise of Realism and Naturalism- What is verisimilitude? What themes and ideas tend to dominate naturalistic plays? What were the other forms of popular entertainment in 19th century? Acting styles
The rise of Realism and Naturalism- 19th/turn of 20th What is the definition of realism? (Our class definition is ordinary people in ordinary situations) What is verisimilitude? Realism, appearance of being true What themes and ideas tend to dominate naturalistic plays? Dark, gloomy plots due to character being "trapped in a world with no escape" What were the other forms of popular entertainment in 19th century? Buffalo Bill's Wild West P.T. Barnum Circus Minstrel Shows- black face/ imitated black people. Lost popularity as civil rights movement progressed Acting styles Repertory companies, long runs, rise of the star
What are the symbols, themes and motifs in the play Paper Flowers by Egon Wolf?
Theme: New world order (HAKE) can only arise from the destruction of the old world (EVA) Motifs Language as a weapon Symobls Canary - imprisonment, societal roles, conservative art of Eva Locks - class distinction, control Conflicts Men vs. women Rational behavior vs. raw passion Conservative art vs. passionate art
Fences by August Wilson - plot, characters, relationships, What are the themes, motifs and symbols in the play?
Themes: How one survives the past affects the future, history both personal and cultural, the american dream, family Motifs: Family/marriage, fathers/sons, death/baseball (3 strikes you're out), seeds/growth (planting garden in last act, preparing for funeral), The Blues Symbols: Fences, both literal (in the yard) and figurative (Rose wants to keep her family close, troy built a fence between himself and others as his resentment over not making it to the major leagues remained) Trains: freedom, new starts, The Devil: Troy's struggle in life, the devil is always bringing news of death
Theaters in England were closed from 1642-1660. Why?
There was a Civil War from 1642-1649. Charles I was beheaded, and then Puritans ran the country (and they banned public performances of many kinds for religious reasons) until, in 1660, Charles II was restored to the throne and reopened the theaters. He liked the theatres in France.
What type of stage is the Paul Green Theater?
Thrust stage
What is baseball a metaphor for in Fences?
Troy uses baseball as a metaphor for his battle with death, his quarrel with Cory, and his reasons for adultery
Who is Gabe? Why does Troy feel guilty about using Gabe's check?
Troy's brother, who receives disability payments after a head injury during the war. Troy feels guilty using his check because he can't read and didn't know what he was signing
Who were Williams and Walker?
Two famous performers in the minstrel era Significant to black comedy and black professional theater Formed a double act Starred in In Dahomey, a play written and directed by black men
Melodrama- what is it? What are the components of it? What types of characters did they have?
Virtuous maiden Unscrupulous landlord Plays were sentimental with well defined heroes, heroines and villains Simple character development to allow for complex plot
China What are the general characteristics of Chinese Theater?
What are the general characteristics of Chinese Theater? Union of dance, story telling, music, and martial arts. Non-realistic.
Ti-Jean and His Brothers by Derek Walcott What are the symbols, themes and motifs in the play? What are the main characteristics of each brother? What does the devil want? Why do Gros-Jean and Mi-Jean fail? Why does Ti-Jean succeed?
What are the symbols, themes and motifs in the play? Themes: Man must be ever vigilant in the fight against evil Evil has been defeated but the fight goes on Resisting authority in the struggle to survive Symbols: Dancing with the devil—symbolic of the political hardships in West Indies Number 3: Holy Trinity Knowledge ( Belief, Truth, Justification) Builds suspense Audience engagement- Devil- white colonizers/ plantation owners Three brothers- slaves / people colonized What are the main characteristics of each brother? Gros Jean- eldest brother, physically strong, overconfident, no common sense Mi-Jean: middle brother, book intellect Ti-Jean: youngest brother, common sense What does the devil want? Why do Gros-Jean and Mi-Jean fail? Why does Ti-Jean succeed? When Gros-Jean becomes impatient with the task of counting leaves in the cane field and catching fireflies, the devil calls him "out of name" refusing to recognize his name as an attempt to erase Gros-Jean or eliminate him. He expects the planter/colonizer to recognize him Mi-Jean loses battle with the devil because he also expects to be recognized for his intelligence. When the planter/colonizer refuses to do that he get angry and is terminated Ti-Jean tricks the devil into rage. Ti-Jean does not expect the planter/colonizer to acknowledge his name or recognize his intelligence. He uses the innate skills of his true self to conquer the devil Ti-Jean has common sense to ask the forest animals and his mother for advice ***Does anyone know who Bolom is and how he fits into the play?? Bolom is a dead fetus who is after money. He enters the play silently and then imitates a baby crying. I think Bolom symbolizes the country that could have been were it not for the colonization
What designers in this time period moved away from the box set? What changes did the designers make to the physical space? What are "little theaters"? How did they complement the move to realism and naturalism?
What designers in this time period moved away from the box set? What changes did the designers make to the physical space? Adolphe Appia and Edward Craig, used platforms/levels, used light What are "little theaters"? How did they complement the move to realism and naturalism? "Little theaters" are from the 20th century, they're intimate theaters where audience interacts. Commercial success wasn't important, developed american voice, created new forms of plays.
What event changes Troy and Rose's marriage?
What event changes Troy and Rose's marriage? When he announces that his mistress Alberta is pregnant
Fences: What has Troy asked for from the commissioner? Who is Alberta and why is Troy stuck on her? What has Rose always wanted for her family? What are the passages into manhood?
What has Troy asked for from the commissioner? He asked him to promote him to become the first African American driver Who is Alberta and why is Troy stuck on her? Troy's mistress and because he got her pregnant so he can't leave her What has Rose always wanted for her family? Build the fence to keep them in What are the passages into manhood? For some reason this doesn't make sense, help, it just means what changes you from a boy to a man->leaving behind your family and starting a new life on your own/with your own family Leaving family (male figure head/dad) through conflict and thus leaving family to be on their own
What role does spectacle play in the popularity of melodrama? How did the emerging stage machinery reflect the danger, and suspense in melodrama? The well made play-
What role does spectacle play in the popularity of melodrama? Secret passages, trap doors, drew people into theater because middle class sought an escape Sensational over the profound How did the emerging stage machinery reflect the danger, and suspense in melodrama? Lights could be dimmed- as a result, selective lighting allowed for a heightened emotional effect in the plays. Lighting between set pieces allowed for actors to be seen better as well. Proscenium acts as a window into the dramatic world. The well made play- Formula for playwriting that guarantees box office appeal of suspenseful, believable plots over theme. Suspenseful plot complications that rely heavily on coincidence
What two important virtues in Japanese culture are reflected in Noh Theater? How does Noh Theater differ from Kabuki Theater? What are the six principle types of Noh play? What is the subject matter of each of those types? What is the mirror room? How do actors use it?
What two important virtues in Japanese culture are reflected in Noh Theater? - Yugen: mysterious beauty, quiet - Rani: sublime, ecstasy How does Noh Theater differ from Kabuki Theater? - Noh focuses on realism; poetic, abstract - Kabuki has special effects, decor, all sung and dance What are the five principal types of Noh play? God, Warrior, Woman, Living person pieces, Demon What is the subject matter of each of those types? God plays (kami/waki)- celebrate a religious event Ghost warrior plays (shura-mono)- slain warrior whose ghost returns to relieve human suffering Woman/wig plays (kazura)- acted by men in wigs "Living person pieces" (genzai)- deal with madness, obsessions, and passion Demon plays (kiri)- protagonist is a supernatural figure, both good and evil What is the mirror room? How do actors use it? A room with mirrors where actors wear masks to get in tune with their character before going on
What type of theater did the Living Theater Company produce? What is the group theater known for?
What type of theater did the Living Theater Company produce? I think unconventional staging of poetic drama, brought the "theater to the street and the street to the theater" What is the group theater known for? The Group emphasized ensemble work, rehearsing for months to create performances in which character, text, and theme interacted not as autonomous pieces, but as an intertwined, cohesive unit. Their detailed examinations of character and tightly knit ensemble elevated the craft of American acting.
What was a benefit and who profited from it? How do acting styles begin to change in this period? Nell Gwynne- 17th century- mistress of Charles II David Garrick - 18th century- famous actor of Drury Lane- developed sentimental comedy. He ushered in more naturalistic style of acting.
What was a benefit and who profited from it? a benefit is a yearly performance dedicated to one actor who would keep all of the profits How do acting styles begin to change in this period? Move from presentational to representational. Presentational - Actors acknowledge the audience. Think of presenting a project/paper and speaking directly to the listeners Representational - Actors perform as if the audience is not there. Nell Gwynne- 17th century- mistress of Charles II, breech role David Garrick - 18th century- famous actor of Drury Lane- developed sentimental comedy. He ushered in more naturalistic style of acting.
Who are the characters? What is the plot? (of Paper Flowers)
Who are the characters? The Hake - 30 yr old manipulative poor guy who takes over Eva's house Eva - 40 yr old lonely upper-middle class woman who is super gullible What is the plot? Eva lets The Hake bring up her groceries Eva leaves him in her apartment and he cleans up He spends the night and the next day he wakes up in her robe He begins making things out of paper like birds, flowers, baskets, etc... Eva goes to buy him pants and he kills her bird He spends the night and rearranges all of her furniture Eva tells him that she is in love with him He has an episode He spends the night again and destroys all of her furniture He dresses her in a wedding gown and tears it apart
Who was Bertolt Brecht and what contributions did he make to theater?
Who was Bertolt Brecht and what contributions did he make to theater? Rejected the "well made play" He felt realistic drama convinced the audience that problems were solved and did not need to be attacked He felt that realistic drama helped perpetuate this philosophy Epic theater
Why were theaters rebuilt? How did the theatre space change in the 17th century? What do we mean by painted wings and backdrop? Who attended the theater and how was the audience different than the Elizabethan audience?
Why were theaters rebuilt? In 1642 - 1660, puritans closed the theaters and persecuted actors. In 1660, King Charles II re-opened the theaters during the Restoration How did the theatre space change in the 17th century? Actors and audience were close to each other Indoor Lighting provided by candles and chandeliers Raked stage to improve sight lines Apron = size of the stage behind arch- isn't it supposed to be infront of arch? I think so Proscenium arch Wing and shutter setting for scene changes (first changeable scenery on British public stage, could be smoothly and mechanically changed between or within acts) Long and narrow What do we mean by painted wings and backdrop? More realistic set design Who attended the theater and how was the audience different than the Elizabethan audience? The Elizabethan audience had all classes while 17th century theater
