Question 1

Theatre probably originated first in _____.

Accepted Answer

The earliest evidence of theatre comes from Africa, specifically from Ancient Egypt and its ritual performances. The Egyptian "Passion Play" dates back to 2500 BCE and is considered to be one of the earliest known instances of theatre.

Question 2

Who was the first African to win the Nobel Prize for Literature?

Accepted Answer

Wole Soyinka

Question 3

What is modern African theatre that combines traditional African ritual and Western-style drama is called?

Accepted Answer

Total Theatre is the term used for modern African theatre that combines traditional African ritual with Western-style drama. This style of theatre emerged during the 1960s and 1970s in Africa as part of the process of decolonization and the assertion of cultural identity. Total Theatre incorporates elements of dance, music, storytelling, and mythic symbolism into its performances, often drawing on traditional African performance forms such as masquerade, puppetry, and drumming.

Question 4

Which type of opera used an orchestra made up of gongs, cymbals, lutes, rattles, drums, castanets, and a two-string violin?

Accepted Answer

Peking Opera, also known as Beijing Opera, is a traditional Chinese form of opera that features a unique orchestra comprising of gongs, cymbals, lutes, rattles, drums, castanets, and a two-string violin.

Question 5

African theatre is usually divided into three periods. Which of these periods is the oldest?

Accepted Answer

The answer of African theatre is usually divided into three...

Question 6

Of the three periods of African theatre which is sometimes called total theatre?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Of the three periods of African theatre...

Question 7

Sanskrit drama is a part of the traditional theatre of _____.

Accepted Answer

Sanskrit drama is a part of traditional theatre of India. It has a long and rich history, dating back to the ancient Hindu texts known as the Natya Shastra and the Ramayana. It was performed in temples, kingdoms, and other cultural centers across India, and continues to be studied, performed, and appreciated today.

Question 8

In this type of Japanese theatre the audience is expected to actively participate. They will call out an actor's name if they like a particular moment.

Accepted Answer

Kabuki theatre is known for its audience participation, where the spectators shout out the names of their favorite actors during the performance. This is called "kakegoe" and is a way for the audience to express their appreciation and connect with the actors on stage.

Question 9

In many ancient Islamic countries acting was outlawed. As a result, what type of theatre became popular?

Accepted Answer

Due to the prohibition of acting in many ancient Islamic countries, shadow plays became popular. Shadow plays involved the use of puppets and silhouettes behind a screen to tell a story or convey a message. This allowed for dramatic performances without the use of live actors.

Question 10

Many scholars agree that theatre grew out of…

Accepted Answer

Many scholars agree that theatre grew out of ritual, specifically religious rituals that involved dance, music, and storytelling. The ancient Greeks are often credited with developing classical theatre, which was heavily based on religious rituals and festivals.

Question 11

Theatre that comes from Africa, India, China, Japan, and the Arab world is often called. . .

Accepted Answer

The answer of Theatre that comes from Africa, India, China,...

Question 12

Which type of Japanese theatre grew out of the dance-prayers of Buddhist priests?

Accepted Answer

Noh theatre grew out of the dance-prayers of Buddhist priests.

Question 13

Which type of early African theatre uses acting, music, storytelling, poetry, dance, costumes, and lots of masks to create a theatre that combined ritual and ceremony with drama?

Accepted Answer

The type of early African theatre that uses acting, music, storytelling, poetry, dance, costumes, and many masks to create a theatre that combined ritual and ceremony with drama is precolonial African theatre. This type of theatre was performed in various parts of Africa before the arrival of European colonizers.

Question 14

Which book is often considered to be the most valuable historical record of Indian theatre?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which book is often considered to be...

Question 15

Ritual ____ continue to play an important role in our lives today.

Accepted Answer

The sentence is stating that rituals still have significance in our lives today, so the correct choice is "does" as it indicates a present tense and affirmative answer.

Question 16

Which type of Indian theatre is named for the ancient Indian language?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which type of Indian theatre is named...

Question 17

The _____ of Australia continue their thousand-year-old rituals by fusing music, dance, and drama together.

Accepted Answer

Aborigines are indigenous people of Australia who have a rich culture and traditional practices. One of their traditional practices is the use of music, dance, and drama to tell stories and convey messages. This practice has been passed down for thousands of years and is still celebrated today.

Question 18

What is Bunraku?

Accepted Answer

Bunraku is a traditional form of Japanese puppet theatre, which originated in Osaka in the 17th century. It is known for its intricate puppetry techniques, storytelling, and the use of shamisen (Japanese stringed instrument) music.

Question 19

In the nineteenth century, Great Britain, France, Portugal, Belgium, Germany, Spain, and Italy divided Africa into territories. They introduced what type of theatre?

Accepted Answer

The European powers that divided Africa into territories in the nineteenth century also introduced Western-style theatre to the continent. This form of theatre was heavily influenced by European styles and traditions, and is still prominent in many African countries today.

Question 20

In India, _____ is the god of actors and dancers.

Accepted Answer

Siva is considered the god of actors and dancers in Hindu mythology. He is also known as Nataraja, the lord of dance.

Quiz 12: Then and Now Version Non-Western Theatre