Theatre History Week 8 Quiz

How does Matthew S. Buckley interpret the French Revolution?

He reads it as a play that was supposed to end with reconciliation but instead ended with the execution of the king and the Reign of Terror.

What did Buckley argue undercut the major genres of the 18th century?

Historical reality that didn't fit narratives of sentimental comedy and neoclassical tragedy.

What genre emerged as hopeful for those traumatized by the revolution?

Melodrama.

What does the term 'Melo' originate from?

Melo means music in Greek.

Who originated melodrama?

René-Charles Guilbert de Pixérécourt.

What was the first melodrama written by Pixérécourt?

'Coelina, or the Child of Mystery' (1800).

What is the central plot of 'Coelina'?

Coelina is a young orphan pursued by a villain who discovers her secret connection to a mute stranger, her father.

What type of characters are commonly found in melodrama?

Stock characters such as the mean villain, the sensitive hero, the persecuted heroine, and the faithful friend.

What moral rule does melodrama preserve according to its structure?

Good is always rewarded.

What is one of the most famous plays by Pixérécourt?

The Dog of Montargis (1814).

What is the premise of 'The Dog of Montargis'?

A loyal dog avenges his master's murder and exposes the true criminal.

What major change in theatre occurred due to the Industrial Revolution?

Massive growth of the working class and urbanization increased the demand for theatre among illiterate workers.

What movement aimed to use poetic language and complex protagonists?

Romanticism.

What does melodrama emphasize in its storytelling?

Embracing formulaic plots and reinforcing conservative social values.

Who was a significant Romantic playwright in France?

Victor Hugo.

What did Hugo advocate for in his preface to 'Cromwell'?

Abandoning the unities of time and place in drama.

What is a notable characteristic of 'Hernani'?

It broke Neoclassical rules, creating significant controversy.

What is spectacle in theatre according to the new trends?

Spectacle became its own art form, designed to convey emotional magnitude visually.

Who invented limelight and when?

Thomas Drummond invented limelight in 1816.

What defines sensation scenes in plays?

They are designed to excite and thrill audiences, creating a complete sensory experience.

What innovation improved stage lighting during this period?

The installation of gas lines that allowed better control of lighting.

How did melodramatic acting approach audience emotions?

It aimed to communicate immediate emotions rather than nuanced social behavior.

What system of acting was created by François Delsarte?

A system of 'applied aesthetics' that emphasized expressive body movements.

What gestures were influenced by melodramatic acting?

Knee-slapping, kneeling, wringing hands, and placing hands to the forehead.

How did Delsarte's system impact future acting methods?

It influenced melodramatic acting in Europe and later the method that Stanislavsky reacted against.

Who were notable figures that helped Americanize Delsarte's system?

Isadora Duncan and Ted Shawn.