Crash Course Theater: The Golden Age of Spanish Drama

The video explores the Golden Age of Spanish drama, highlighting its prolific nature with tens of thousands of plays. It delves into the Spanish Renaissance's impact on theater, the intertwining of sacred and secular drama, and the unique theater design of the era. The video also discusses notable playwrights like Lope de Vega and Pedro Calderon de la Barca, focusing on Calderon's play 'Life is a Dream'. The episode concludes with a preview of the next topic, French neoclassicism.

What significant event marked the beginning of the Spanish Renaissance?

• The fall of the Byzantine Empire

• The invention of the printing press

• The marriage of Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon

• The discovery of America by Columbus

How did the Spanish Inquisition impact Spanish theater?

• It caused the closure of all theaters

• It promoted only secular themes

• It intertwined sacred and secular drama

• It led to the banning of all religious plays

What were 'autos sacramentales' primarily focused on?

• The adventures of knights

• The life of Jesus

• The mystery of the Eucharist

• The history of Spain

What was unique about the design of Spanish theaters during the Golden Age?

• They were built in courtyards

• They had open roofs

• They were built underground

• They had no seating

Which playwright was known as 'The Phoenix of Wits'?

• Felix Lope de Vega

• Tirso de Molina

• Pedro Calderon de la Barca

• Miguel de Cervantes

What genre did Lope de Vega popularize in Spanish plays?

• Tragedy

• Love and honor

• Historical drama

• Mythological plays

Which playwright gave us the version of the Don Juan legend?

• Miguel de Cervantes

• Pedro Calderon de la Barca

• Tirso de Molina

• Felix Lope de Vega

What is the central theme of Calderon's 'Life is a Dream'?

• The importance of family

• The struggle for power

• The illusion of life

• The power of dreams

In 'Life is a Dream,' what does Segismundo learn about his actions?

• They are controlled by fate

• They should be noble, even in dreams

• They are predetermined

• They have no consequences

What allegorical message does 'Life is a Dream' convey?

• Life is a test of virtue

• Life is a battle

• Life is a journey

• Life is a dream until death