Speech

SPTH 290

Study Guide for Test 1

Chapter 1

1. What must there be for theatre to happen? (4 elements)

For theatre to happen, actors and audiences must come together at a certain time and in a certain place.

2. What are the five essential parallels between theatre and life?

The five essential parallels between theatre and life are: actors and humanity, simulation and reality, rehearsal and learning, improvisation and spontaneity, stage and world, and audiences and society.

3. What are the five expectations of audiences?

Audiences expect plays to be related to life experiences and expect the familiar. The audience is also expected to have a collective response. They must make preparations for attending a play and observe certain unwritten rules of decorum. The audience, or spectator, is central to the theatrical event.

Chapter 2

1. Who are the four Greek playwrights whose works survive?

Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, and Aristophanes are four Greek playwrights whose work has survived.

2. What are the four major theaters listed under the title, "Western Theatre?"

The four major theaters listed under the title, "Western Theatre" are greek, medieval, Elizabethan, and Proscenium.

3. What is the main characteristic of "Bunraku" that sets it apart from most theatre styles?

The main characteristic of "Bunraku" that sets it apart from most theatre styles is that it uses puppets.

Chapter 3

1. What did Jerry Grotowski found in Opole in 1959?

Jerry Grotowski founded the Polish Laboratory Theatre in Opole in 1959.

2. What aspect of normal theatre does Alternative or "Environmental" theatre reject?

Environmental theatre rejects the aspect of conventional seating.

3. Peter Schuann's group takes its name from what two constant elements of their work?

Peter Schuann's group took its name from puppets and bread, the two constant elements of their work.

Chapter 4

1. Name one play written by Tennessee Williams.

One of Tennessee Williams' plays is called Camino Real.

2. Who was the kindergarten teacher that wrote the Pulitzer Prize winning play entitled WIT or W ' T?

The kindergarten teacher that wrote WIT was Margaret Edson.

3. Who, along with Tennessee Williams, was the most influential American playwright following the Second World War?

Along with Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller was the most influential American playwright following the Second World War.

Chapter 5

1. What are the seven main categories of theatre?