Stage 5 Culture Quiz

Plays were performed in Pompeii everyday.

• True

• False: plays were never performed in Pompeii

• False: Plays were performed once a week on Saturday

• False: Plays were performed at festivals.

People brought cushions to the plays because:

• They were important people who were allowed to bring cusions

• They wanted to throw them at bad actors

• They wanted to shade themselves from the sun

• The seats were made of stone and uncomfortable

The town councilors did not need to hurry to a play because:

• They were not invited to plays

• Their seats were reserved

• Others people would make room for them because they were important

• They were the only ones who were allowed to attend a play.

Plays in Pompeii were paid for by:

• Ticket sales

• A wealthy citizen

• The actors

• The town council

A wealthy citizen would put on a play because: (check all which apply)

• He was ordered to do so as punishment for a crime.

• He wanted to benefit his fellow citizens

• His children were actors in the play.

• He wanted to gain popularity in order to be elected

A theatrical performance consisted of a series of plays which lasted all day.

• True

• False: Only one play would be performed each festival.

• False: Theatrical performances were only held at night.

• False: Several short plays were performed, but they were finished by noon.

Which of the following were ways theater attendees tried to beat the heat? (Check all which apply)

• Slaves waving fans

• An awning which was extended over most of the theater.

• Wearing hats

• Sprinkling scented water

A pantomime was: (Check all which apply)

• A street performer who gave performances for pocket change

• performed by one silent actor, accompanied by an orchestra

• usually a serious performance taken from Greek myths.

• A short comedic play about slaves

Most comedic plays were:

• short plays packed with rude jokes and slapstick

• Used male and female actors

• Used so many unfamiliar characters, that a narrator had to introduce them to the audience

• deep, meaningful performances that inspired the audience.

Actors in Roman comedies wore masks which identified which character they were playing.

• True

• False: Roman actors did not wear masks, so their expression might be seen by the audience.

• False: There were too many characters in comedies to be easily recognized by their masks.

• False: Only tragedies used masks.