Question 1

One convention of the realist theatre is that dialogue

Accepted Answer

In realist theatre, dialogue is meant to be natural and mimic real-life conversation, making it more relatable and believable for the audience.

Question 2

The high point of stylistic realism is best exemplified by

Accepted Answer

Anton Chekhov is renowned for his contributions to stylistic realism, particularly in his plays and short stories, which focus on everyday life and the complexities of human nature.

Question 3

The foremost American playwright,whose ventures into naturalism eventually turned toward expressionism and the authorship of The Hairy Ape,was

Accepted Answer

Eugene O'Neill is renowned for his contributions to American drama, particularly for his exploration of naturalism and later, expressionism. "The Hairy Ape" is one of his notable works that exemplifies his shift towards expressionistic drama.

Question 4

Which movement can be interpreted to signal "the death of isms" in our contemporary age?

Accepted Answer

Postmodernism can be interpreted to signal "the death of isms" because it is characterized by skepticism towards grand narratives and ideologies, suggesting a move beyond traditional "isms" or ideological movements.

Question 5

The constructivist who broke with Stanislavsky's style of realist performance to create a nonrealist "biomechanical" style of acting and direction was

Accepted Answer

Vsevolod Meyerhold developed the biomechanical style of acting and direction, which was a departure from Stanislavsky's realist approach, emphasizing physical movement and the external expression of emotions.

Question 6

The saying "no more masterpieces" is a tenet of

Accepted Answer

Artaud's Theatre of Cruelty aimed to disrupt the comfortable consumption of art, emphasizing a visceral, impactful experience over the traditional, polished masterpieces. This philosophy is encapsulated in the saying "no more masterpieces," advocating for raw, impactful art that provokes and challenges.

Question 7

Which of the following is consistent with the symbolist opposition to realism?

Accepted Answer

The symbolists aimed to transcend the limitations of realism by incorporating elements of the fantastical or the spiritual, thus enhancing rather than completely discarding realism. They sought to express deeper truths that they felt could not be captured by mere realistic representation alone.

Question 8

Which is a characteristic of realist drama?

Accepted Answer

Realist drama is characterized by its focus on characters that are drawn true to life, with each character's actions and outcomes being significantly influenced by their social status and conditions. This approach aims to reflect the complexities and nuances of real life, distinguishing it from more stylized or idealized forms of drama.

Question 9

How did Stanislavsky contribute to realist theatre?

Accepted Answer

Stanislavsky contributed to realist theatre by developing a system of acting that emphasized the psychological truth behind characters' actions, thereby bringing realist acting to realist plots. This approach helped actors to portray more authentic and believable characters, aligning with the principles of realism in theatre.

Question 10

Which type of drama fits the following description: the theatre becomes a part of the content of play production,not merely the vehicle.

Accepted Answer

Metatheatre refers to a form of theatre where the production self-consciously comments on the nature of the theatre itself, making the theatrical medium part of the content of the play. This often involves breaking the fourth wall or reflecting on the conventions of theatre.

Question 11

Which of the following is true of Chekhov's style?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is true of...

Question 12

The subject matter of naturalistic plays is

Accepted Answer

Naturalistic plays focus on depicting everyday life and realistic situations, often portraying a "slice-of-life" action that reflects ordinary experiences and social conditions.

Question 13

Which of the following is true about the age of "isms"?

Accepted Answer

The age of "isms" refers to a period where various artistic and ideological movements like futurism, dadaism, expressionism, and surrealism emerged, each with distinct principles.

Question 14

The founding playwright of the realist era was

Accepted Answer

Henrik Ibsen is often considered the father of modern realism in theatre, with plays like "A Doll's House" and "Hedda Gabler" that focus on everyday life and social issues.

Question 15

Which production had the most violent premiere in theatre history,such that the audience shouted,hissed,threw things,shook fists at the stage,and fought duels after subsequent performances?

Accepted Answer

Jarry's Ubu Roi premiered in Paris in 1896 and was met with outrage from the audience. The play was considered subversive and vulgar, with depictions of violence, scatology, and political satire. The audience's reaction was so extreme that it resulted in riots and duels between those who supported and opposed the production.

Question 16

Realist theatre

Accepted Answer

Realist theatre has indeed had a lasting effect on modern theatre, influencing the development of dramatic storytelling and acting techniques that aim to closely mimic real life, focusing on everyday situations and the human condition.

Question 17

This type of drama,in vogue in Germany during the first two decades of the twentieth century,featured shocking and gutsy dialogue,boldly exaggerated scenery,piercing sounds,bright lights,and an abundance of primary colors.

Accepted Answer

Expressionism in drama aimed to present the world from a subjective perspective, emphasizing the emotional experience over physical reality. This style often included exaggerated or distorted elements, such as dialogue, scenery, and visual effects, to evoke specific feelings or reactions from the audience, aligning with the description provided.

Question 18

Which movement,whose development was independent of realism,based its aesthetics on nature,particularly on humanity's place in the (Darwinian)environment and tried to create life itself on stage?

Accepted Answer

Naturalism in theatre was a movement that aimed to create a perfect illusion of reality on stage, focusing on everyday life and the influence of the environment and heredity on human beings. It was heavily influenced by the ideas of Charles Darwin and sought to apply a scientific approach to the depiction of life, distinguishing it from realism by its more rigorous determination to replicate reality.

Question 19

In Six Characters in Search of an Author,Pirandello uses the theme of the theatricality of human existence to show

Accepted Answer

Pirandello explores the theme of the theatricality of human existence to highlight the confusion between appearance and reality in everyday life, suggesting that what we perceive may not always be the truth, and that the distinction between reality and illusion can often be blurred.

Question 20

Which of the following is true of the relationship between naturalism and realism?

Accepted Answer

Naturalism is a movement that grew out of realism, aiming to depict life more scientifically and objectively. While it shares similarities with realism in its depiction of everyday life, naturalism goes further by emphasizing the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior. It does not equate to realism but rather extends its principles, focusing on a more detailed and unfiltered portrayal of reality.

Quiz 8: The Modern Theatre