Theatre History Practice Exam III

Stella Adler did indeed begin acting with her father in the Yiddish Theatre. This implies that the statement is true.

During the period between 1946 and 1955, the theatre industry accurately portrayed the social turmoil of that time. This was mainly achieved through the works of Arthur Miller, particularly in plays like The Crucible and All My Sons. These plays delved into themes of societal unrest, moral dilemmas, and the consequences of personal actions. Through his writing, Miller effectively captured the prevailing social climate and provided a reflection of the era's social issues on stage. Therefore, the statement that theatre between 1946 and 1955 reflected the social unrest of the time, mostly through Arthur Miller's works, is true.

Jean Genet, a French playwright, indeed saw himself as an outsider. Throughout his works, he explored themes of marginalization, criminality, and social alienation. Genet's plays often depicted characters who were societal outcasts, reflecting his own experiences as a former criminal and a homosexual man in a conservative society. By portraying these marginalized individuals, Genet aimed to find order and meaning in the chaotic and oppressive world he perceived. Therefore, the statement that Genet's plays attempted to find order in the chaos around him is true.

Georg II, Duke of Saxe Meiningen and Richard Wagner were influential figures in the 19th century who played a significant role in the development of what is now known as "the director." Their contributions helped shape the concept and role of the director in various artistic fields, including theater and opera. Their influence paved the way for the rise of directors as key creative forces in the production and interpretation of artistic works.

Sam Shepard and David Mamet are noted for their work in both film and stage. Both playwrights have successfully transitioned their talents to the screen, with Shepard writing screenplays for films such as "Paris, Texas" and "Fool for Love," and Mamet directing and writing screenplays for films like "Glengarry Glen Ross" and "House of Games." Their ability to excel in both mediums showcases their versatility and skill as playwrights and filmmakers.

Lorraine Hansberry is the correct answer because she was the first Black female playwright to have her work produced on Broadway. Her play, "A Raisin in the Sun," premiered in 1959 and made history by depicting the struggles of a Black family in Chicago. Hansberry's work was groundbreaking and paved the way for future Black playwrights to have their voices heard on Broadway.

The correct answer is true because the play "The Hairy Ape" by Eugene O'Neill explores the struggles and challenges faced by the American working class. The protagonist, Yank, is a laborer who feels alienated and disconnected from society. The play critiques the dehumanizing effects of industrialization and capitalism on the working class, highlighting their plight and the inequality they experience. Therefore, the statement accurately reflects the central theme of the play.

George C. Scott gained public recognition while working for Joe Papp's New York Shakespeare Festival. This suggests that he first came to the public's attention during his time at the festival.

During the years of 1936-1955, Orson Welles was indeed a major force in both the Federal Theatre Project and Hollywood. He gained recognition for his groundbreaking work in theater, particularly with his production of "The War of the Worlds" radio broadcast and his film "Citizen Kane." Welles was known for his innovative storytelling techniques and his ability to captivate audiences through his artistic vision. His contributions to both the Federal Theatre Project and Hollywood during this time period solidify the statement as true.

The statement is true because sentimental comedy of the 18th century indeed reaffirms middle-class morality. Sentimental comedies typically depicted characters who were virtuous, kind-hearted, and guided by moral principles. These plays aimed to evoke sentiment and sympathy from the audience, often focusing on themes of love, family, and social issues. By portraying middle-class characters as morally upright and emphasizing the importance of virtues such as kindness and compassion, sentimental comedy reinforced the values and ideals of the middle class during the 18th century.

Scribe and Sardou were indeed the primary developers of the "well-made play." The well-made play is a dramatic structure that became popular in the 19th century and is characterized by its carefully constructed plot, suspenseful climax, and satisfying resolution. Scribe, a French playwright, is credited with pioneering this style, while Sardou, also a French playwright, further developed and refined it. Their contributions to the well-made play had a significant impact on the development of modern theater.

The Wooster Group, under the artistic direction of Elizabeth LeCompte, is known for their unique approach to theater. They "deconstruct" well-known texts, meaning they break them down and analyze them in unconventional ways. This allows them to tackle controversial social issues in their performances. The Wooster Group's innovative style and commitment to exploring challenging subject matter make them a standout in the theater world.

Thornton Wilder is the correct answer because he is the author of the play "Our Town". This play, first performed in 1938, is a classic of American theater and explores themes of life, love, and death in a small town setting. Wilder's work is known for its simple yet profound storytelling and its ability to capture the essence of human existence.

Marie Irene Fornes was known for Fefu and Her Friends. Parks was most known for Top Dog/Under Dog.

Thomas Betterton was indeed a leading actor on the English Stage during the Restoration, but he was not overshadowed by the popularity of Charles Macklin. In fact, Charles Macklin was born several years after Betterton's death and rose to prominence in the 18th century, long after Betterton's career had ended. Therefore, the statement that Betterton was overshadowed by Macklin is false.

The statement is false because "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolfe" actually emphasizes and promotes the destructive nature of creating illusions in relationships. The play explores the toxic effects of lies, deceit, and illusions on the characters' lives and relationships. It portrays the breakdown of a marriage due to the characters' inability to face reality and their constant use of illusions to mask their problems.

Laura Keene was indeed best known for her work in theatre management. She was a British actress and theatre manager who achieved great success in the mid-19th century. Keene was known for her entrepreneurial skills and her ability to manage and organize successful theatrical productions. She was the manager of the Theatre Royal in Manchester and later became the lessee and manager of the New York Academy of Music. Keene was instrumental in popularizing Shakespearean plays in America and was highly respected in the theatre industry. Therefore, the statement "Laura Keene was best known for her work in theatre management" is true.

During World War II, the Nazis did not ban all art and theatre. Instead, they heavily controlled and censored the arts, promoting their own propaganda and suppressing any forms of expression that did not align with their ideology. While they did ban certain types of art and deemed them as "degenerate," they did not completely prohibit all art and theatre during this period.

Clifford Odets was not the primary playwright for The Provincetown Players. While he was associated with the group and wrote several plays for them, the primary playwright for The Provincetown Players was Eugene O'Neill.

Eugene O'Neill is considered the most significant American playwright who began his work in the period 1915 and beyond. He is known for his groundbreaking plays that tackled complex themes and introduced a more realistic and psychological approach to theater. O'Neill's works, such as "Long Day's Journey Into Night" and "The Iceman Cometh," have had a lasting impact on American drama and continue to be performed and studied today.

Mary Pix was the most prolific of the female wits.

The correct answer is Ludlam because he was the founder of The Ridiculous Theatrical Company.

Ira Aldridge is important to this time period for theatre historians who approach theatre history from a multiculturalism perspective because he was one of the first prominent African-American actors. His success and influence challenged racial barriers in the theater industry, highlighting the importance of diversity and representation in the arts.

David Garrick did not manage the Covent Garden Theatre. He was a famous actor and playwright of the 18th century, but he was primarily associated with the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, where he was both an actor and manager. Covent Garden Theatre was managed by other individuals during Garrick's time.

The statement is false because Edwin Booth was not elected as the president of Actor's Equity when it was first founded in 1913. The correct answer is false because there is no record of Edwin Booth being the president of Actor's Equity during its founding year.