The Death and Resurrection of Theater as...Liturgical Drama: Crash Course Theater #8

The video explores the decline of theater during the late classical period due to the rise of Roman entertainment and Christian opposition. It discusses Constantine's legalization of Christianity and its impact on theater, the fall of Western Rome, and the survival of theater in the Byzantine Empire. The video also covers the reemergence of theater in medieval church rituals, highlighting the Quem Quaeritis as a key liturgical drama. The episode concludes with a preview of the next topic.

What was one of the main reasons for the decline of classical theater during the Roman Empire?

• The rise of gladiatorial games

• The invention of cinema

• The emergence of new religions

• The popularity of chariot races

How did early Christians view the theatrical performances in the Roman Empire?

• They embraced them as a form of worship

• They saw them as a mockery of their beliefs

• They considered them educational

• They were indifferent to them

What significant change did Emperor Constantine bring about in 313 CE?

• He introduced new forms of entertainment

• He divided the Roman Empire

• He banned all theatrical performances

• He legalized Christianity

What happened to theatrical performances in the Western Roman Empire after its fall?

• They were banned by the Byzantine Empire

• They flourished and expanded

• They were completely forgotten

• They transformed into traveling performances

Which empire maintained some form of theatrical tradition after the fall of the Western Roman Empire?

• The British Empire

• The Holy Roman Empire

• The Ottoman Empire

• The Byzantine Empire

What role did Christian rituals play in the Middle Ages regarding entertainment?

• They replaced all forms of entertainment

• They incorporated theatrical elements

• They banned all forms of entertainment

• They were unrelated to entertainment

What is the Quem Quaeritis trope?

• A type of Roman mime performance

• A liturgical drama from the Easter service

• A Byzantine comedy

• A medieval dance

How did liturgical drama evolve over time?

• It was banned by the church

• It became less popular and eventually disappeared

• It remained confined to church services

• It expanded into larger spectacles outside the church

What language were the early liturgical dramas performed in?

• Greek

• French

• Latin

• English

What was a significant feature of the liturgical dramas in the 12th and 13th centuries?

• They focused solely on the life of Jesus

• They included Old Testament stories and lives of Saints

• They were performed exclusively by monks

• They were banned by the church