Drama Flashcards
(43 cards)
What is the birthplace of Western drama?
Ancient Greece
Drama began as part of religious rituals honoring Dionysus, the god of wine, fertility, and revelry.
Who is credited as the first actor in ancient Greek drama?
Thespis
Thespis introduced dialogue to choral performances and the term ‘thespian’ is derived from his name.
What are the main genres of Greek drama?
- Tragedy
- Comedy
- Satyr Plays
Tragedy explores human suffering, comedy critiques society, and satyr plays are humorous performances with mythological themes.
Which festival in Athens featured dramatic competitions?
City Dionysia
It was dedicated to Dionysus and featured trilogies of tragedies and satyr plays.
What is the structure of Greek drama?
- Prologue
- Parodos
- Episodes
- Stasimon
- Exodus
This structure includes an introduction, chorus entry, main action, choral reflection, and conclusion.
Fill in the blank: Greek theatre was performed in _______.
open-air amphitheaters
What role did the chorus play in Greek drama?
Represented collective voices, narrated events, and provided commentary
The chorus was essential for connecting the audience with the themes of the play.
True or False: Roman drama was heavily influenced by Greek drama.
True
Who adapted Greek plays into Latin, marking the beginning of Roman theatre?
Livius Andronicus
What are the two main genres of Roman theatre?
- Tragedies
- Comedies
Key playwrights include Seneca for tragedies and Plautus and Terence for comedies.
What is the Natya Shastra?
A Sanskrit text on performing arts from India
It is one of the earliest treatises on drama and theatre, dating from circa 200 BCE to 200 CE.
What type of performances were integral to community life and spiritual practices in Africa?
Ritual performances involving music, dance, and storytelling
What characterized the Renaissance period in relation to drama?
Revival of classical Greek and Roman theatre traditions
It flourished in Italy, England, and Spain with notable developments like Commedia dell’Arte and the works of Shakespeare.
Fill in the blank: Medieval drama expanded from liturgical plays into _______ and _______.
morality plays, mystery plays
Which playwrights are known for their contributions to Greek tragedy?
- Aeschylus
- Sophocles
- Euripides
Aeschylus introduced a second actor, Sophocles added a third, and Euripides focused on human emotions.
What is the significance of the term ‘catharsis’ in Greek drama?
It refers to the emotional cleansing or release experienced by the audience
The concept is central to the experience of tragedy.
What are Satyr Plays known for?
Short, comedic performances with bawdy humor and mythological themes
Fill in the blank: The Greek theatre space included the theatron, orchestra, and _______.
skene
What are the key elements of drama?
The key elements of drama are the fundamental components that create and define a dramatic work.
What is the plot in drama?
The sequence of events that form the story, including exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
What role do characters play in drama?
Characters are the individuals who take part in the action of the story and reveal the drama’s themes and emotions.
What is the setting in drama?
The time and place where the drama unfolds, providing context and atmosphere.
What is the theme of a drama?
The central idea, message, or underlying meaning of the drama, often exploring universal human experiences.
What is conflict in drama?
The struggle or problem that drives the plot, which can be external or internal.
