Ultimate Theatre History Quiz! Trivia

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  • 1/14 Questions

    This group, which sang and danced as well as recited, was an integral and unique feature of Greek drama.

    • The Poetics
    • The Cyclops
    • The Chorus
    • Thespis
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About This Quiz

Dive into the depths of theatre history with this trivia quiz! Explore key figures, innovations, and concepts that have shaped the dramatic arts from ancient times to the Renaissance.

Ultimate Theatre History Quiz! Trivia - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    The Italian innovation of creating the illusion of visual realism where scenery becomes smaller the farther away it gets.

    • Angled wings

    • Painted shutters

    • Lighting and shadows

    • Perspective

    Correct Answer
    A. Perspective
    Explanation
    Perspective refers to the technique of creating the illusion of depth and three-dimensionality on a two-dimensional surface. In the context of the given question, the Italian innovation of perspective revolutionized the art world, allowing artists to accurately depict spatial relationships and create a sense of realism in their paintings. By using techniques such as vanishing points and diminishing sizes of objects as they recede into the distance, artists were able to create the illusion of depth and distance, making their paintings more visually realistic.

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  • 3. 

    Which style of theater is most connected to dance?

    • Greek tragedy

    • English Renaissance

    • Kabuki

    • Liturgical drama

    Correct Answer
    A. Kabuki
    Explanation
    Kabuki is the correct answer because it is a traditional Japanese theater form that incorporates dance as a central element. It is known for its stylized movements and elaborate costumes, with performers often using dance to convey emotions and tell stories. Greek tragedy, English Renaissance, and Liturgical drama do not have the same level of connection to dance as Kabuki does.

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  • 4. 

    Commedia dell'arte is best known for its:

    • Poignant material

    • Stock characters

    • The most popular theatre company in Rome

    • Use of bright colors

    Correct Answer
    A. Stock characters
    Explanation
    Commedia dell'arte is best known for its stock characters. These characters are highly recognizable and often have exaggerated traits or characteristics that make them easily identifiable. They include iconic figures such as Harlequin, Pantalone, and Columbine, among others. The use of stock characters allows for improvisation and the creation of comedic situations, as the actors can rely on well-known archetypes to engage with the audience. This aspect of Commedia dell'arte has had a lasting influence on theater and comedy, with stock characters being used in various forms of entertainment even today.

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  • 5. 

    Which philosopher influenced Ancient Chinese theater the most?

    • Confuscius

    • Buddha

    • William Shakespeare

    • K-Fed

    Correct Answer
    A. Confuscius
    Explanation
    Confucius is the correct answer because he had a significant influence on Ancient Chinese theater. Confucius emphasized the importance of moral values, social harmony, and proper behavior, which greatly influenced the themes and characters depicted in Chinese theater. His teachings also emphasized the importance of education and self-improvement, which had a direct impact on the development of Chinese theater and its emphasis on moral and ethical lessons. Confucius' ideas and philosophies continue to be highly regarded in Chinese culture, making him a prominent figure in the development of Ancient Chinese theater.

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  • 6. 

    This festival became the most important for theater in Athens, Greece.

    • Mechane

    • City Dionysia

    • Aeschylus

    • Theatron

    Correct Answer
    A. City Dionysia
    Explanation
    City Dionysia was an ancient festival held in Athens, Greece, which became the most important festival for theater. It was dedicated to the god Dionysus, the god of wine and fertility, and included dramatic competitions where playwrights would present their works. The festival attracted large audiences and showcased the works of renowned playwrights like Aeschylus. Theatron, on the other hand, refers to the seating area of the theater, while Mechane is a device used in ancient Greek theater to simulate flying. Therefore, City Dionysia is the correct answer as it specifically relates to the festival mentioned in the question.

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  • 7. 

    Bharata Muni is:

    • The author of Natyasastra

    • One of the stages of enlightenment

    • A tasty dish with chicken

    • A play about a secret marriage

    Correct Answer
    A. The author of Natyasastra
    Explanation
    Bharata Muni is known as the author of Natyasastra, which is a Sanskrit text on the performing arts. Natyasastra is considered to be one of the most important texts in Indian classical dance, music, and theater. It provides detailed instructions on various aspects of performing arts, including acting, stagecraft, and aesthetics. Bharata Muni's work has had a significant influence on the development of Indian performing arts and is still studied and followed by artists and scholars today.

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  • 8. 

    The idea of decorum means which of the following?

    • All drama must be true to life.

    • All drama must follow the climactic format.

    • Characters should behave in ways based on their age, profession, gender, and rank.

    • Dramatic action within a play should not exceed 24 hours.

    Correct Answer
    A. Characters should behave in ways based on their age, profession, gender, and rank.
    Explanation
    The idea of decorum in drama refers to the expectation that characters should behave in ways that are appropriate and consistent with their age, profession, gender, and rank. This means that their actions, speech, and mannerisms should align with the social norms and expectations associated with their specific characteristics. By adhering to decorum, playwrights can create more believable and realistic characters, enhancing the overall authenticity and effectiveness of the dramatic performance.

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  • 9. 

    Autos sacramentales were most similar to:

    • Greek tragedies

    • Commedia dell'arte

    • Morality and mystery plays

    • Roman comedies

    Correct Answer
    A. Morality and mystery plays
    Explanation
    Autos sacramentales were a form of Spanish religious drama that emerged during the 16th and 17th centuries. They were performed during Corpus Christi celebrations and typically depicted biblical stories and religious themes. Like morality and mystery plays, autos sacramentales aimed to convey moral lessons and religious teachings to the audience. They often featured allegorical characters and symbolic elements, similar to the morality plays. Therefore, the correct answer is that autos sacramentales were most similar to morality and mystery plays.

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  • 10. 

    This playwright was the second most popular playwright in the English Renaissance.

    • William Shakespeare

    • Christopher Marlowe

    • George Bernard Shaw

    • Ben Johnson

    Correct Answer
    A. Christopher Marlowe
    Explanation
    Christopher Marlowe was a highly influential playwright during the English Renaissance. Although not as well-known as William Shakespeare, Marlowe's works were highly regarded and popular during his time. His plays, such as "Doctor Faustus" and "Tamburlaine the Great," showcased his innovative use of language and exploration of complex themes. Marlowe's contributions to Elizabethan drama and his influence on future playwrights make him a significant figure in English literature.

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  • 11. 

    Scenery was very important in the Elizabethan theater.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    The statement suggests that scenery was very important in the Elizabethan theater. However, this is not true. In the Elizabethan theater, the focus was more on the language and the performances rather than elaborate sets or scenery. The stage was typically bare, and the emphasis was on the actors and their ability to engage the audience through their words and actions. Scenery was minimal or non-existent, allowing the audience to use their imagination and focus on the story being told. Therefore, the correct answer is false.

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  • 12. 

    The purpose of the French Academy was:

    • To critique literature and art according to the neoclassical rules

    • A source for directors to conduct dramaturgical research

    • To govern public theater houses in France

    • To educate young French children in the arts

    Correct Answer
    A. To critique literature and art according to the neoclassical rules
    Explanation
    The purpose of the French Academy was to critique literature and art according to the neoclassical rules. The French Academy was established in 1635 by Cardinal Richelieu with the intention of promoting and maintaining the standards of French language and literature. It aimed to establish guidelines and rules for artistic and literary works, based on the principles of neoclassicism. The Academy played a significant role in shaping and influencing French literature and art during the 17th and 18th centuries, and its members were responsible for evaluating and critiquing works based on their adherence to these neoclassical rules.

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  • 13. 

    Zeami Motokiyo is to Teachings on Style and the Flower as:

    • Bhrata Muni is to Natyasastra

    • William Shakespeare is to Faust

    • Sophocles is to The Poetics

    • Britney Spears is to K-Fed

    Correct Answer
    A. Bhrata Muni is to Natyasastra
    Explanation
    Bhrata Muni is to Natyasastra because Bhrata Muni is the author of Natyasastra, which is a Sanskrit text on the performing arts. Similarly, Zeami Motokiyo is known for his teachings on style and the flower, which are concepts related to Noh theatre in Japan. The other options do not have a similar relationship where the person is directly associated with the work or concept mentioned.

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  • 14. 

    Which time period was most known for using theater as popular entertainment?

    • Sanskrit drama

    • Ancient Rome

    • Elizabethan drama

    • French Neoclassic

    Correct Answer
    A. Ancient Rome
    Explanation
    Ancient Rome was most known for using theater as popular entertainment. Theater played a significant role in Roman society, with performances being held in amphitheaters and theaters throughout the empire. The Romans enjoyed a wide range of theatrical genres, including comedies, tragedies, and pantomimes. The popularity of theater in Ancient Rome can be attributed to its ability to entertain and engage the masses, as well as its use as a form of political propaganda. The Roman playwrights, such as Plautus and Terence, produced numerous works that were performed and enjoyed by the Roman citizens.

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  • Mar 20, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Aug 05, 2009
    Quiz Created by
    Bradenhunt
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