Theatre History Practice Exam #1

Expressionism is indeed a movement in art and literature where reality is intentionally distorted to convey the artist's or writer's inner emotions and feelings. This distortion can be seen in the use of exaggerated colors, shapes, and forms, as well as the portrayal of intense emotions and subjective experiences. By distorting reality, expressionist artists and writers aim to evoke strong emotional responses from the audience and provide a deeper understanding of the human condition. Therefore, the statement "Expressionism developed as a movement in art and literature in which reality is distorted to communicate inner feelings" is accurate and true.

The given statement is true. Epic Theatre is indeed the label given to the works of Bertolt Brecht. Brecht was a German playwright and theatre practitioner who developed the concept of Epic Theatre as a form of theatre that aimed to create social and political awareness among the audience. Epic Theatre is characterized by its use of distancing techniques, such as breaking the fourth wall, to encourage critical thinking and reflection rather than emotional engagement. Brecht's plays, such as "The Threepenny Opera" and "Mother Courage and Her Children," are considered seminal works of Epic Theatre.

Dario Fo is the correct answer. He is an Italian satirist known for writing plays such as Abducting Diana, The Pope and the Witch, and A Woman Alone.

Andre Breton is known as the founder of surrealism, an artistic and literary movement that emerged in the early 20th century. Surrealism emphasized the exploration of the subconscious mind and the irrational aspects of human experience. Artists associated with surrealism sought to depict dreamlike and fantastical imagery, often combining unexpected elements to create a sense of surprise and mystery. Breton's writings and manifestos played a crucial role in defining the goals and principles of surrealism, making it the correct answer in this context.

Futurism is the correct answer because it is an artistic and social movement that originated in Italy in the early 20th century. It celebrated modernity, technology, and the dynamism of the industrial age. Futurist artists sought to capture the energy and speed of modern life through their works, often depicting machines, cities, and war. This aligns with the given statement about idealized technology and war, making Futurism the most suitable choice among the options provided.

The Sexual Revolution of the 1960s was indeed influenced by the Cold War and the Vietnam conflict. These events created a climate of social and political unrest, which led to a questioning of traditional values and norms. The sexual revolution represented a break from conservative attitudes towards sexuality and gender roles, and was fueled by the desire for personal freedom and self-expression. The changing dynamics of the Cold War and the Vietnam conflict played a role in shaping the cultural landscape of the 1960s, making the statement true.

During the Restoration era, acting companies were not exclusively male like the Elizabethans. In fact, women were allowed to perform on stage for the first time in England during this period. This change was attributed to the reopening of theaters after the Puritan rule and the influence of French theater, which featured female actors. As a result, Restoration acting companies included both male and female performers, making the statement false.

During the British Invasion of the 70s and 80s, many British bands and artists gained immense popularity in the American music industry. However, among all the American composers, Stephen Sondheim was the only one who successfully countered the British Invasion. Sondheim is known for his contributions to musical theater, with his innovative and complex compositions. His works, such as "Sweeney Todd" and "Into the Woods," showcased his unique style and storytelling abilities, which helped him maintain his prominence in the American music scene during that time.

Andre Antoine started the "Theatre Libre."

David Mamet is the correct answer because his plays, such as Glengarry Glen Ross and Oleanna, are known for their naturalistic language. Unlike traditional realism, Mamet's plays do not have clear-cut exposition or dramatic resolutions. Mamet's writing style often focuses on realistic dialogue and the complexities of human interactions, creating a sense of authenticity and unpredictability in his plays.

Anouilh did not write Antigone in response to the Nazi occupation of Italy. Antigone was actually written by Sophocles, an ancient Greek playwright, around 441 BC. Jean Anouilh, a French playwright, did write a modern adaptation of Antigone in 1944 during the German occupation of France, but it was not a direct response to the Nazi occupation of Italy.

The correct answer is Goldoni and Gozzi. Goldoni and Gozzi were both playwrights in Italy during the 18th century. They had different approaches to commedia dell'arte, a popular form of Italian theater. Goldoni believed in a more realistic and modern style, while Gozzi preferred a more traditional and fantastical approach. The battle between them represents a clash between the old and the new, with Goldoni advocating for change and Gozzi defending the traditional style.

The Performance Group gained recognition in 1969 due to their production of "Dionysus 69".

Henrik Ibsen is known today as the "Father of Modern Drama" because of his significant contributions to the development of the genre. He is credited with introducing realistic and naturalistic elements into his plays, challenging the traditional theatrical conventions of his time. Ibsen's works, such as "A Doll's House" and "Hedda Gabler," tackled controversial social issues and explored complex psychological themes, paving the way for the modern drama movement. His influence on subsequent playwrights and his lasting impact on the theatrical world solidify his title as the "Father of Modern Drama."

The Provincetown Players is the correct answer because they were the first theatre to present the works of Eugene O'Neill. This theatre group was a significant part of the "little theatre" movement in the United States, which aimed to produce experimental and innovative plays. Their productions played a crucial role in the development and recognition of O'Neill as a prominent playwright.

Richard Schechner was the founder, not Edward Albee.

The movement into what has been called the "Corporate Musical" refers to the trend of adapting popular movies into stage musicals by big corporations. Beauty and the Beast was the first Disney animated film to be adapted into a Broadway musical, marking the beginning of this trend.

Restoration comedy was most concerned with London. This genre of theater emerged during the Restoration period in England (1660-1710) and was characterized by its focus on the urban life of London. The plays often depicted the social and cultural aspects of the city, including its fashionable society, politics, and the emerging middle class. London was seen as a vibrant and dynamic setting for the comedic plots and satirical commentary that were central to Restoration comedy.

Ellen Stewart is the correct answer because she was the director of Cafe La Mama when it opened in 1961. Lorraine Hansberry, Megan Terry, and Rochelle Owens are not associated with the opening of Cafe La Mama.

The restoration period did begin in 1660, but it was not after the restoration of Charles I to the throne. It was actually after the restoration of Charles II, who was Charles I's son, to the throne. Charles I was executed in 1649 during the English Civil War, and it was his son, Charles II, who was brought back to power in 1660, marking the beginning of the restoration period.

Madame Vestris was a key innovator in the development of the box set in the 19th century. While there is debate about the first use of the box set, Vestris played a significant role in its advancement. She was a renowned actress and theater manager known for her elaborate and realistic stage designs. Vestris introduced the concept of using multiple sets on a revolving stage, creating seamless scene transitions and enhancing the visual appeal of theatrical productions. Her contributions to the development of the box set greatly influenced the way stage design is approached in modern theater.

Technological advances in lighting before 1875 were most notable with the development of the gas table. This refers to the invention and implementation of gas-powered lighting systems, which allowed for more efficient and brighter illumination compared to previous methods such as candles or oil lamps. The gas table was a significant development in the history of lighting as it provided a more reliable and convenient source of light for various applications.

Ethel Waters was the highest paid performer on Broadway in the late 30s through the early 40s. She was a renowned actress, singer, and dancer who achieved great success during this period. Waters had a powerful and distinctive voice, which made her a popular and highly sought-after performer. She starred in several successful Broadway shows and became one of the highest-paid performers of her time. Her talent and success in the entertainment industry solidify her as the correct answer for this question.

Philippe de Loutherbourg introduced the concept of "Local Color" into English scenic design. "Local Color" refers to the use of specific colors and elements that are characteristic of a particular region or location, aiming to accurately depict the local environment and atmosphere on stage. Loutherbourg, a French painter and scenic designer, was known for his innovative use of lighting effects and realistic landscapes in his stage designs. His incorporation of "Local Color" revolutionized English scenic design, bringing a new level of authenticity and detail to theatrical productions.