Postmodern Theatre: Explore the Characteristics and Influences

Question 1

Which characteristic is NOT associated with postmodern theatre?

Accepted Answer

Strict adherence to realism

Answer

Fragmentation

Answer

Intertextuality

Answer

Audience Participation

Question 2

Which characteristic is a defining feature of postmodern theatre?

Accepted Answer

Audience participation and interaction

Answer

Linear and chronological narrative structure

Answer

Focus on realism and naturalism in performance

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a defining characteristic of postmodern theatre?

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on chronological narrative structure

Answer

Audience participation

Answer

Fragmentation

Answer

Intertextuality

Question 4

What is the term for the practice in postmodern theatre of combining and referencing multiple texts, styles, and sources?

Accepted Answer

Intertextuality

Answer

Metatheatre

Answer

Subtext

Answer

Brechtian alienation

Question 5

How does the role of the audience differ in postmodern theatre compared to traditional theatre?

Accepted Answer

Audiences are actively engaged and participate in shaping the performance

Answer

Audiences remain passive observers throughout the performance.

Answer

Audiences provide feedback at specific points during the performance.

Question 6

Which historical movement significantly influenced the development of postmodern theatre?

Accepted Answer

Modernism

Answer

Romanticism

Answer

Expressionism

Answer

Surrealism

Question 7

What does the term 'metafictionality' refer to in the context of postmodern theatre?

Accepted Answer

The self-referential nature of postmodern theatrical works

Answer

The use of non-linear and episodic narratives

Answer

The incorporation of popular culture elements

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of a theatrical device often employed in postmodern theatre?

Accepted Answer

Breaking the fourth wall

Answer

Linear storytelling

Answer

Naturalistic dialogue

Answer

Observance of classical unities

Question 9

What is the intended effect of using fragmentation in postmodern theatre?

Accepted Answer

To disrupt conventional storytelling, disorient the audience, and challenge expectations

Answer

To enhance the sense of realism and maintain narrative coherence

Answer

To amplify the emotional impact of the story

Question 10

How does audience participation in postmodern theatre differ from traditional theatre?

Accepted Answer

In postmodern theatre, the audience actively participates and shapes the performance

Answer

In traditional theatre, the audience remains passive and disconnected

Answer

In postmodern theatre, the audience provides verbal feedback at designated intervals

Question 11

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of postmodern theatre?

Accepted Answer

Intertextuality

Answer

Linear narrative structure

Answer

Rejection of audience participation

Question 12

Which characteristic is NOT typically associated with postmodern theatre?

Accepted Answer

Linear narrative structure

Answer

Intertextuality

Answer

Fragmentation

Answer

Audience participation

Question 13

Which technique commonly employed in postmodern theatre involves weaving together multiple texts or cultural references within a single work?

Accepted Answer

Intertextuality

Answer

Brechtian alienation

Answer

Metatheatre

Question 14

A distinctive aspect of audience participation in postmodern theatre is its:

Accepted Answer

Active engagement that challenges conventional performer-spectator roles.

Answer

Passive reception of the performance.

Answer

Exclusive participation by a select few.

Question 15

Which theoretical framework is a cornerstone of postmodern theatre?

Accepted Answer

Deconstructionism

Answer

Classical realism

Answer

Existentialism

Answer

Marxism

Question 16

How does postmodern theatre challenge traditional notions of truth and objectivity?

Accepted Answer

By presenting diverse perspectives and questioning absolute truths.

Answer

By promoting a didactic, moralistic message.

Answer

By adhering to a singular, authoritative narrative.

Question 17

Which playwright is renowned for their innovative use of metatheatrical techniques in postmodern theatre?

Accepted Answer

Tom Stoppard

Answer

Harold Pinter

Answer

August Wilson

Answer

Sarah Kane

Question 18

How has technology influenced the development of postmodern theatre?

Accepted Answer

By enabling the integration of multimedia, interactive elements, and novel modes of audience engagement.

Answer

By having no significant impact on postmodern theatre practices.

Answer

By leading to a decline in live performance and increased reliance on digital mediums.

Question 19

Which theme is generally NOT explored in postmodern theatre?

Accepted Answer

The triumph of good over evil

Answer

Identity and subjectivity

Answer

The nature of reality

Answer

The power of language

Question 20

In what way does postmodern theatre often engage with social and political issues?

Accepted Answer

By critiquing and subverting prevailing discourses and power structures.

Answer

By promoting specific political ideologies and agendas.

Answer

By avoiding controversial topics and presenting escapist narratives.

Question 21

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of postmodern theatre?

Accepted Answer

Linear narrative structure

Answer

Audience participation

Answer

Fragmentation

Answer

Intertextuality

Question 22

What does 'intertextuality' mean in the context of postmodern theatre?

Accepted Answer

Including references to other texts, art, or culture within a play.

Answer

Incorporating non-verbal elements like music and dance.

Answer

Using multiple actors for the same character.

Question 23

Who is widely considered a pioneer of postmodern theatre?

Accepted Answer

Samuel Beckett

Answer

Eugene O'Neill

Answer

Tennessee Williams

Answer

Arthur Miller

Question 24

How does postmodern theatre challenge traditional ideas about realism?

Accepted Answer

By embracing absurdity, non-linear stories, and the subjective nature of reality.

Answer

By focusing on psychological realism and internal conflicts.

Answer

By sticking to strict stagecraft and design conventions.

Question 25

In 'Waiting for Godot' by Samuel Beckett, what characteristic of postmodern theatre is most prominent?

Accepted Answer

The absurdity of human existence and life's meaninglessness.

Answer

The exploration of historical events and their societal impact.

Answer

The celebration of individual freedom and self-expression.

Question 26

Which of these is an example of audience participation in postmodern theatre?

Accepted Answer

A play where the audience interacts with actors and influences the story.

Answer

A play with a traditional proscenium arch stage and clear separation between actors and audience.

Answer

A play where actors deliver lines in a highly stylized and unrealistic way.

Question 27

What's the significance of the 'death of the author' concept in postmodern theatre?

Accepted Answer

It emphasizes the audience's subjective interpretation of the text and the lack of a single, definitive meaning.

Answer

It suggests playwrights should focus on creating realistic characters and situations.

Question 28

How does postmodern theatre challenge traditional notions of time and space?

Accepted Answer

By using non-linear narratives, fragmented scenes, and blurring the lines between past, present, and future.

Answer

By adhering to chronological order and a clearly defined setting.

Question 29

Which playwright is known for exploring themes of gender and sexuality in a postmodern context?

Accepted Answer

Sarah Ruhl

Answer

Tom Stoppard

Answer

Edward Albee

Answer

Harold Pinter

Question 30

How does postmodern theatre often engage with political and social issues?

Accepted Answer

By using satire, irony, and deconstruction to critique societal norms and power structures.

Answer

By focusing on individual struggles and personal experiences.

Answer

By promoting a clear message and advocating for a specific political agenda.