Where Did Theater Go? Crash Course Theater #18

The video explores the Puritan objections to theater in Renaissance England, leading to its closure during the English Civil War. It discusses the antitheatricalism movement, highlighting figures like Plato and William Prynne. The Restoration period saw the revival of theater with new elements like women on stage and Restoration comedies, which were criticized for their immorality. The video concludes with the influence of these comedies and the eventual reform in response to criticism.

What was one of the reasons Puritans objected to theater during the Renaissance?

• It was considered too educational.

• It was only performed in foreign languages.

• It was believed to corrupt the youth.

• It was too expensive to attend.

Who is considered the father of antitheatricalism?

• Aristotle

• Socrates

• Euripides

• Plato

What was the main argument in William Prynne's 'Histriomastix'?

• Theater was a noble art form.

• Stage plays were sinful and corrupt.

• Theater should be free for all.

• Women should not be allowed to write plays.

How did theater manage to survive during the Puritan rule?

• By performing only religious plays.

• By changing all plays to operas.

• Through secret performances in private venues.

• By moving performances to France.

What was a significant change in theater after the restoration of Charles II?

• The exclusive performance of Shakespearean plays.

• The prohibition of any foreign influence.

• The banning of all comedies.

• The introduction of women on stage.

What was a common setting for clandestine performances during the Puritan rule?

• Public squares

• Private homes

• Royal courts

• Churches

What is a characteristic of Restoration comedies?

• They focused on tragic endings.

• They were smutty and witty.

• They avoided any form of humor.

• They were known for their moral lessons.

What was the reaction of antitheatricalists to Restoration comedies?

• They ignored them completely.

• They praised them for their wit.

• They encouraged more such plays.

• They criticized them for immorality.

Which playwright's work is an example of Restoration comedy?

• Ben Jonson

• William Wycherley

• William Shakespeare

• Christopher Marlowe

What was the main theme of Jeremy Collier's pamphlet against the English stage?

• The stage was too expensive.

• The stage was too exclusive.

• The stage was immoral and profane.

• The stage was a place of learning.