Styles of theatre

Question 1

realism style and conventions

Answer 1

• characters are believable
• costumes are authentic
• setting is often indoors and believable
• box set (three walls, invisible fourth wall)
• everyday speech
• focus is on the characters

Question 2

greek style and conventions

Answer 2

• large gesture
• actors
• mechane
• chorus
• amphitheatre
• music
• dance
• masks
• bright costumes

Question 3

greek influences

Answer 3

• evolved from Ancient Greek rituals to the god Dionysus (god of wine and fertility)

Question 4

realism influences

Answer 4

• triggered by Stanislavski’s system of realistic acting at the turn of the 20th century

Question 5

elizabethan style

Answer 5

• Clear articulation and projection
• Fluid motion
• Heightened language
• Iambic pentameter

Question 6

elizabethan conventions

Answer 6

• Minimal sets (Table and raised platforms. Minimal props)
• Song and dance (Dance scene)
• Truthful believable characters
• Asides
• Soliques
• Eavesdropping (Romeo and the drunk guys)
• Multi-skilled actors (Singing, dancing, sword fight)
• Presentational Acting style

Question 7

elizabethan influences

Answer 7

• shows were on the road
• major set changes couldn’t take place due to theatre design (small props)
• regular turnover of productions