History of Drama and Theatre Terminology

Flashcards covering the history of drama from Ancient Greece through the Renaissance, including theatre architecture, play types, and key literary terminology.

From what did drama originally arise?

Drama arose from religious ceremonies honoring Dionysus.

Who was Dionysus in Greek mythology?

Dionysus was the Greek god of wine, fertility, and celebration.

What is the etymological origin of the word 'Tragedy'?

It comes from the Greek word meaning 'goat-song'.

What is the etymological origin of the word 'Comedy'?

It comes from a Greek word meaning 'revel'.

What was the Skene in a Greek theatre?

A building behind the stage that served as the backdrop and dressing room.

What was the Proskenion?

The raised stage where actors performed.

What was the function of the Orchestra in Greek theatre?

It was the circular area where the chorus performed.

What were the Parados?

Passageways used by the chorus to enter and exit.

What was the Thymele?

An altar located in the orchestra.

What was the role of the Chorus in Greek drama?

A group that comments on the action and provides background through speech and song.

What does the Unity of Time require in Greek drama?

That events occur within 24 hours.

What does the Unity of Place require in Greek drama?

That the entire play takes place in one location.

What does the Unity of Action require in Greek drama?

One main plot with no subplots.

What are Miracle Plays?

Plays from the Middle Ages about the lives and miracles of saints.

What are Mystery Plays?

Plays from the Middle Ages based on Bible stories.

What are Morality Plays?

Allegorical plays where virtues and vices battle to teach moral lessons.

What is 'Everyman'?

A famous morality play representing humanity's struggle to achieve salvation.

What was the most famous theatre associated with Shakespeare?

The Globe.

Name the London theatres mentioned from the Renaissance era.

The Globe, The Rose, The Swan, The Curtain, and The Theatre.

What was Blackfriars Theatre?

An indoor private theatre used by Shakespeare's company.

In a theatre company, who were the Housekeepers?

The owners (or part-owners) of the theatre.

In a theatre company, who were the Sharers?

Actor-shareholders who shared profits.

Who were Hirelings in a theatre company?

Actors paid regular wages.

What were the duties of Servants in a theatre company?

Stagehands, promptors, sound effects workers, etc.

How was a Playwright compensated during the Renaissance?

The writer was paid for each play.

What are two key characteristics of a tragic hero?

A noble person with human flaws and a belief in freedom (taking responsibility for choices).

What is Hubris?

Excessive pride.

What is Transfiguration in the context of a tragic hero?

The process of learning and growing through suffering.

What is a History Play?

A play based on historical people or events, often promoting a political message.

What is Kabuki?

Traditional Japanese theatre known for elaborate costumes and stylized acting.

What is Liturgical Drama?

Religious plays performed as part of church services.

What is the difference between High Comedy and Low Comedy?

High Comedy is intelligent, witty, and satirical; Low Comedy is based on slapstick or crude humor.

What is Mummery?

A performance where actors wear masks or disguises.

What is a Satyr Play?

A short comic play following a Greek tragedy featuring satyrs.

What is a Soliloquy?

A speech in which a character alone reveals thoughts and feelings.

What is Hamartia?

A tragic flaw or weakness that causes the tragic hero's downfall.

What is a Well-made Play?

A play with a tightly structured plot leading to a major climax.

What is an Apron Stage?

The part of the stage extending beyond the main curtain.

What is an Aside?

A remark heard by the audience but not by other characters.

What is Blank Verse?

Unrhymed iambic pentameter.

What is Comic Relief?

A humorous scene inserted into a serious play.

What is Commedia dell'Arte?

Italian improvised comedy with stock characters.

What is the Denouement?

Events after the climax that resolve the story.

What is Deus Ex Machina?

An unexpected outside force that suddenly solves the conflict.

What is the Dramatis Personae?

A list of characters in a play.

What is Iambic Pentameter?

A line of $10$ syllables with $5$ unstressed/stressed (da-DUM) pairs.