Synge, Wilde, Shaw, and the Irish Renaissance: Crash Course Theater #36

The video explores Irish drama, focusing on the Irish Renaissance and the Abbey Theatre's role in promoting Irish culture. It highlights J.M. Synge's contributions, particularly his play 'Riders to the Sea', and discusses the influence of Irish playwrights like Oscar Wilde and George Bernard Shaw on English drama. The video concludes with a preview of future topics, including symbolism and surrealism.

What was the primary focus of the Irish Renaissance?

• Industrial development

• Literary and cultural revival

• Political reform

• Technological advancement

Who was the first major playwright produced by the Abbey Theatre?

• W.B. Yeats

• Lady Augusta Gregory

• J.M. Synge

• Edward Martin

What was J.M. Synge's approach to writing plays?

• Focused on urban life

• Romantic and idealistic

• Purely comedic

• Realistic with mythological elements

Why was 'The Playboy of the Western World' controversial?

• It included a scandalous word

• It was a romantic comedy

• It depicted Irish nationalism negatively

• It was a political satire

What is a key theme in 'Riders to the Sea'?

• The power of nature and fate

• Urban life challenges

• Political intrigue

• Romantic relationships

How did Oscar Wilde's plays differ from traditional social problem plays?

• They reinforced conventional morals

• They were purely tragic

• They mocked societal norms

• They focused on historical events

What was Oscar Wilde's most famous comedic play?

• Salome

• The Importance of Being Earnest

• Lady Windermere's Fan

• Vera

What was a central belief of George Bernard Shaw regarding theater?

• It should reinforce traditional values

• It should entertain without provoking thought

• It should challenge societal norms

• It should focus on historical accuracy

Which play by Shaw includes debates and dialectics?

• Pygmalion

• The Playboy of the Western World

• The Importance of Being Earnest

• Riders to the Sea

What did Shaw believe drama could do for audiences?

• Encourage deeper thinking

• Reinforce existing beliefs

• Focus on trivial matters

• Provide pure entertainment