Introduction to Dramatic Arts and Greek Theatre

100 practice flashcards covering Introduction to Dramatic Arts, performance elements, terminology, theatre etiquette, breathing exercises, and key plays like Have You Seen Zandile? and Antigone/Oedipus Rex.

What is the definition of Dramatic Arts according to the transcript?

The study of the representation of human experience in dramatic form for an audience.

What are the three closely related areas of focus in a performance?

1. the focus of the scene, 2. the focus of the audience, 3. the focus of the character.

Define 'Tension' as an element of drama.

The force that engages the performers and audience in the dramatic action.

In the context of 'Space', what does it focus on?

The meaning of the size and shape of distances between actor and actor, actor and objects, and actor and audience.

What movement exercises are mentioned as a springboard for developing the physicality of a character?

Laban movement exercises.

What is an 'Allegory'?

A story in which people, things and actions represent an idea or a generalization about life, often containing a strong moral lesson.

Define 'Apostrophe' in drama.

The addressing of someone or something, usually not present, as though present.

What is the 'Apron' on a Proscenium Arch Stage?

The area of staging found in front of the curtain.

What does 'Blocking' refer to?

Directions for actors’ movements on stage, given by the Director.

What is 'Catharsis'?

The release of the emotions of pity and fear by the audience at the end of a tragedy.

Differentiate between a 'Dynamic' and 'Static' character.

A Dynamic character undergoes change due to the plot, while a Static character does not change throughout the work.

What defines a 'Tragic hero'?

A character with potential for greatness who is doomed to fail due to a tragic flaw, yet still wins a moral victory.

What are the five basic types of 'Conflict'?

Person vs. person, person vs. society, person vs. self, person vs. nature, and person vs. fate/God.

What is an 'Epiphany' in fiction?

When a character suddenly experiences a deep realization about himself or herself; a truth grasped in an ordinary moment.

Define 'Farce'.

An exaggerated comedy based on broadly humorous, highly unlikely situations.

What is 'Hubris'?

The flaw that leads to the downfall of the tragic hero.

Define 'Dramatic Irony'.

Where the reader/audience sees a character’s mistakes, but the character does not.

What are the 5 basic elements of a 'Plot'?

Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and denouement.

What is a 'Soliloquy'?

A speech delivered by a character when he/she is alone on stage.

What is the procedure for the teacher getting the class's attention?

5-4-3-2-1-STOP! Students must be frozen, silent, and eyes on the teacher.

What is a 'Tragicomedy'?

A play or literary work combining tragic and comic elements.

How should an audience member handle a cough drop wrapper?

Do not make noise with the wrapper.

Why is breathing from the diaphragm important for musical theatre performers?

To make a full sound.

What are the benefits of practicing breath control exercises for performers?

It affects range, volume, and speed of speaking/singing and helps calm nerves.

What does the Greek word 'paizo' mean?

To act or to perform.

What is a 'Domestic Play'?

A type of play based on the normal life of family and friends.

What are the three main reasons Early Man performed?

Communication, Entertainment, and Information.

What were the two different forms of early performance?

1. Clan Gathering Performance (Hunter based) and 2. Ritual Performance (Priest/Shaman/Sangoma based).

How is a 'Ritual' defined in the notes?

The repetition of certain actions, with a specific outcome in mind, often religious in nature.

At what age do Zulu boys typically start their initiation?

Around 16 – 18 years old.

What is the name of the Swazi ceremony involving unmarried and childless women?

Umhlanga or Reed Dance ceremony.

What is the origin of the 'Gumboot Dance'?

It was born in the gold mines of South Africa during the migrant labour system and Apartheid Pass Laws.

Why were gumboots originally issued to mine workers?

It was cheaper for bosses than draining flooded mines, which caused skin ulcers.

What does the word 'Isicathamiya' mean in Zulu?

Walking softly, or tread carefully.

Which famous singing group demonstrates the Isicathamiya style?

Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

In Isicathamiya, what was the purpose of the 'tip toe' dance steps originally?

To avoid disturbing the camp security guards.

What is the play 'Have you seen Zandile?' based on?

Gcina Mhlophe’s very own personal life experiences.

Who is 'Gcina's paternal grandmother she lived with in Hammersdale?

Ma Gogo.

In 'Have you seen Zandile?', why was Zandile kidnapped?

Her biological mother, Nomanina MaTshezi, came to reclaim her forcibly after her husband died.

What three languages is 'Have you seen Zandile?' written in?

IsiZulu, English, and IsiXhosa.

What is the name of Zandile’s imaginary friend?

Bongi.

How is Lulama, Zandile's mother, described in terms of her outlook?

Old fashioned, short-sighted, believes life is about work rather than dreams, and that education is not important.

Who was the Greek god of wine, fertility, and patron of the arts?

Dionysus.

Dionysus was the son of which two parents?

Zeus (god) and Semele (mortal).

Who is credited as the legendary originator of tragedy and the first actor?

Thespis.

What is a 'Dithyramb'?

A chant or song performed by groups of 50 men in honor of Dionysus.

Which three Greek playwrights' tragedies have survived?

Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides.

What is the 'Prologos' in a Greek tragedy?

A duologue or monologue taking place before the entrance of the chorus to provide background.

What does the term 'Parados' mean?

The entrance of the chorus and their first ode; it also refers to the passage they walk through.

What is the 'Exodes'?

The exit or end of the play.

What was the most striking feature of a Greek actor’s costume?

The mask, which completely covered the head and had hair attached.

Name one reason masks were used in Greek theatre.

To allow the distance audience to identify characters, enable actors to play multiple roles, or amplify voices.

What is the 'Protagonist' in Greek tradition?

The chief character; the only one who could win a prize at Dionysia.

What is the 'Orchestra' in a Greek theatre?

The circular 'dancing place' where the chorus performed.

What was an 'Ekkyklema' (or Eccyclema) used for?

A wheeled platform rolled out to show the bodies of characters who died off-stage.

In Greek tragedy, what is 'Anagnorisis'?

The moment the tragic hero realizes his/her mistake and sees the situation as it really is.

What is the background conflict in the play 'Antigone'?

Polynices and Eteocles (Antigone's brothers) killed each other in battle for the throne of Thebes.

What decree did Creon pass regarding the burial of the brothers?

Eteocles will be buried with full honour, but Polynices will not have any burial, with death as punishment for violators.

What does Antigone represent in the conflict against Creon?

Divine law, family love, and the rights of the individual.

Who is Teiresias in the Oedipus/Antigone stories?

The blind prophet who advises the leaders.

Identify the 'Tragic Flaw' of Creon in 'Antigone'.

Stubbornness and pride (Hubris).

What is the name of Creon’s son who was supposed to marry Antigone?

Haemon.

What is the tragic end of Jocasta in 'Oedipus the King'?

She hangs herself after realizing the truth about her marriage to her son.

How does Oedipus punish himself at the end of the play?

He blinds himself with long gold pins from Jocasta's dress.

Which Zulu ritual involves young girls collecting roots and staying in their mother's hut?

Girls' initiation/coming of age.

What happened to the grass costumes worn by Zulu girls during their initiation ceremony?

They are burned the next day to show they have finally become women.

What is the 'Skene' in a Greek theatre building?

A changing hut or building that formed a back wall for the stage and was often painted to look like a setting.

Define 'Melodrama'.

A play with exaggerated characters and episodes with songs and music for emotive appeal.

What does 'Denotation' mean?

The dictionary definition of a word.

What is a 'Foil' character?

A character whose behavior and values contrast with another to highlight specific traits of that character.

What are the three Greek festivals in honor of Dionysus mentioned?

The City Dionysia, The Rural Dionysia, and The Lenaea.

What group of people does the Chorus represent in 'Antigone'?

The elders of Thebes.

In Zulu culture, what clothing was traditionally given to boys after circumcision to show they were 'cleaned'?

New clothes mainly made of animal hide.

What is the function of the 'Altar' in the middle of the Greek Orchestra?

It was used for sacrifices and offerings to the god Dionysus.

What was the specific 'urban myth' mentioned in Gcina Mhlophe's biography?

A white car carrying evil child kidnappers who would gouge out children's eyes.

What is Isicathamiya contrasted with?

Mbube, which means 'lion' and is sung loudly and powerfully.

In the Gumboot dance, how did workers express their identity despite being forbidden to speak?

By making rhythms and beats with their bodies, gumboots, and chains.

Define 'Catastrophe' in the context of Greek Tragedy.

The sudden reversal of the hero’s fortune from happiness to misery, culminating in death.

What is 'hubris' specifically linked to in a tragic hero?

Excessive pride which causes the downfall.

Who was the 'Archon' in Greek festivals?

An elected citizen in charge of the festival proceedings.

What did a 'Patron' (Choregos) do in Greek theatre?

A wealthy man who hired and trained a chorus and paid all production costs.

What was the prize for winners at the City Dionysia?

Prestige and glory (not profit), and often a goat.

Why did actors in Ancient Greece wear platform heels and head-dresses?

Because they performed in huge open-air theatres and needed to appear larger.

In 'Have you seen Zandile?', what did Ma Gogo leave for Zandile in a suitcase?

Ribbons, socks, and dresses meant for a ten-year-old child.

How many speaking actors were allowed on the Greek stage at one time?

Never more than three.

In the 5-point rating scale for breathing exercises, what does 5 represent?

Completed with ease.

What is 'Irony' in general terms?

A combination of circumstances or a result that is opposite of what might be expected.

Define 'Dialect'.

A type of informal diction spoken by definable groups from a particular geographic or social class.

What is the 'Denouement'?

The outcome, solution, or final revelation of a plot.

In 'Antigone', how does Antigone die?

She was entombed in a cave and committed suicide.

What does 'Mbube' mean in Zulu?

Lion.

What does a 'Rounded' character display?

Inconsistencies and internal conflicts found in real people.

What is 'Blocking'?

Directions for actors' movements on stage given by the Director.

Why were women less common in Greek theatre audiences?

They probably attended but not in great numbers, and all performers were men.

In 'Have you seen Zandile?', what is the significance of writing on sand?

Zandile wrote messages to Gogo, hoping the birds would carry them to Hammersdale.

What is the 'Stasima' in Greek tragedy?

Choral odes sung by the chorus after they have reached the orchestra.

According to the transcript, when is an audience member excused from their seat?

Only during intermission or in an emergency at an appropriate break.

In early man's rituals, who was in direct contact with the Gods?

The Shaman/Sangoma.

What is 'Viticulture' in the context of Dionysus?

The art of growing grapes/vines, which symbols rebirth after dormancy in winter.

Who is 'Eurydice' in the play 'Antigone'?

The wife of Creon who kills herself after the death of her son Haemon.