Year 9 History of Theatre Quiz

Name some of the earliest forms of drama that we know about.

• Folk tales, historical narratives, Greek Theatre.

• Storytelling, Ritual, Greek Theatre.

• Epic poetry, dance performances, Roman theatre.

• Mythological reenactments, solo performances, mediaeval pageantsGrgr

 What was the festival called in Greek theatre where plays were performed as part of a competition?

• The Festival of Apollo.

• The Panhellenic Games.

•  The Thespian Festival.

• The Festival of Dionysus.

What type of stage is a Greek theatre?

• An amphitheatre.

•  A circular arena.

• An open-air theatre.

• A proscenium stage.

 What was the function of a chorus in Greek theatre?

• To perform dance numbers and music interludes

• To act as a narrator and guide the plot.

• To represent and reflect the views of the people and comment on the story.

• To provide comic relief and entertain the audience.

How and why did the Church in Medieval times use drama to tell their stories?

• To entertain the masses.

• To promote charity, they produced morality tales.

• To teach history, they developed historical dramas.

• To get their congregation to lead good and moral lives, they created mystery plays.

What is a morality play?

• A play which asks you to consider your own morals and persuades you to live a good life, otherwise Death will come for you.

• A comedic play about everyday life and its absurdities.

• A tragic play focused on the consequences of poor decisions.

• A play that critiques societal norms through satire.

 Name three stock Commedia characters.

What style of performance was commedia dell’arte?

• Subtle and realistic.

• Exaggerated and physical.

•  Improvised and spontaneous.

• Formal and scripted.

What is the theatre called, which has been re-built in London, where Shakespeare’s plays were performed?

• The Rose theatre.

• The Globe theatre.

• The Blackfriars theatre.

• The Curtain theatre.

What time period was Shakespeare writing in?

• 1600–1640

• 1590–1613

• 1585–1620

• 1575–1610