Little Theater and American Avant Garde: Crash Course Theater #40

The video explores the evolution of American theater, focusing on the late arrival of modernism. It highlights key figures like James A Herne, who introduced realism, and Eugene O'Neill, who became a champion of American realism and experimental theater. The Little Theater Movement provided a platform for innovative plays, while Susan Glaspell's 'Trifles' marked a significant moment in feminist theater. The video also discusses the unique contributions of Gertrude Stein and Thornton Wilder to the theatrical landscape.

What were some of the reasons for the delayed development of American theater?

• Economic prosperity

• Lack of interest in the arts

• Technological advancements

• Puritans and war

Which playwright is considered one of the first to attempt realism in American theater?

• Eugene O'Neill

• Henry James

• James A. Herne

• David Velasco

What was the public's reaction to James A. Herne's play 'Margaret Fleming'?

• It was banned

• It was adapted into a film

• Critics loved it, but the public did not

• It was a huge success

Which playwright is known for introducing lower-class characters and American vernacular to the stage?

• Thornton Wilder

• Gertrude Stein

• Eugene O'Neill

• James A. Herne

What was the significance of the Provincetown Players in American theater?

• They only produced musicals

• They focused on popular, non-threatening plays

• They provided a platform for experimental and non-commercial works

• They were the first commercial theater group

What is the central theme of Susan Glaspell's play 'Trifles'?

• The superiority of men in solving mysteries

• The perceptiveness of women in understanding domestic issues

• The triviality of women's concerns

• The importance of kitchen work

Which playwright's works are described as cubist, similar to Picasso's paintings?

• Eugene O'Neill

• Thornton Wilder

• Gertrude Stein

• James A. Herne

What is a characteristic feature of Thornton Wilder's plays?

• Elaborate stage settings

• Musical elements

• Focus on historical events

• Use of a bare stage and audience imagination

What movement is associated with a flowering of African-American theater and performance?

• Expressionism

• The Little Theater Movement

• The Harlem Renaissance

• American Realism

Which playwright's work is known for its philosophical and bittersweet nature?

• Eugene O'Neill

• Gertrude Stein

• Thornton Wilder

• James A. Herne