20th Century Drama: Explore Modernism to Postmodernism in Theatre

Question 1

Which characteristic is a defining feature of postmodern drama?

Accepted Answer

Rejection of traditional narrative structures

Answer

Adherence to traditional narrative structures

Answer

Emphasis on historical accuracy and realism

Answer

Use of elaborate sets and costumes

Question 2

The playwright Samuel Beckett is renowned primarily for his contributions to which dramatic style?

Accepted Answer

Theater of the Absurd

Answer

Epic theater

Answer

Psychological realism

Answer

Brechtian theater

Question 3

The concept of the 'fourth wall' is primarily associated with which dramatic movement?

Accepted Answer

Naturalism

Answer

Modernism

Answer

Romanticism

Answer

Symbolism

Question 4

Which significant social and cultural event had a profound impact on the development of 20th century drama?

Accepted Answer

World War I

Answer

The rise of mass media

Answer

Industrialization

Answer

The Enlightenment

Question 5

Identify the theater company renowned for its experimental and politically charged performances:

Accepted Answer

The Royal Court Theatre

Answer

The Royal Shakespeare Company

Answer

The National Theatre

Answer

The Globe Theatre

Question 6

Who developed the influential concept of 'epic theater'?

Accepted Answer

Bertolt Brecht

Answer

Antonin Artaud

Answer

Eugene Ionesco

Answer

August Strindberg

Question 7

Identify the British playwright known for pioneering the 'in-yer-face' theater movement:

Accepted Answer

Sarah Kane

Answer

Harold Pinter

Answer

David Mamet

Answer

Alan Ayckbourn

Question 8

What is a key characteristic of postmodern theater?

Accepted Answer

Techniques such as fragmentation, pastiche, and self-referentiality

Answer

An emphasis on realism and authenticity

Answer

Linear and structured narratives

Answer

Traditional theatrical conventions

Question 9

Which significant historical event had a profound impact on the development of modern drama?

Accepted Answer

World War I and its aftermath

Answer

The Victorian era and Industrial Revolution

Answer

The Roaring Twenties and Great Depression

Answer

World War II and the Cold War

Question 10

What is the primary objective of Brecht's 'epic theatre'?

Accepted Answer

Educating the audience about social and political issues

Answer

Creating an emotionally charged connection with the audience

Answer

Providing an escape from everyday reality

Answer

Exhibiting the actor's skills and artistry

Question 11

Which of Beckett's plays is considered a quintessential work of absurdist theatre?

Accepted Answer

Waiting for Godot

Answer

King Lear

Answer

Hamlet

Answer

The Seagull

Question 12

What is a distinctive feature of naturalism in drama?

Accepted Answer

Precise depiction of everyday life and language

Answer

Heightened language and exaggerated gestures

Answer

Emphasis on the supernatural and fantastical elements

Answer

Exploration of psychological states and subconscious desires

Question 13

What is the significance of Antonin Artaud's 'Theatre of Cruelty'?

Accepted Answer

It sought to create an immersive and transformative experience for both performers and audience

Answer

It aimed to revive classical Greek theatre

Answer

It relied heavily on elaborate sets and costumes

Answer

It focused on realistic representations of daily life

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a major movement in 20th century drama?

Accepted Answer

Baroque

Answer

Symbolism

Answer

Realism

Answer

Absurdism

Question 15

Who is often credited with establishing the Royal Court Theatre, a significant venue for new and experimental drama in the mid-20th century?

Accepted Answer

George Devine

Answer

George Bernard Shaw

Answer

William Butler Yeats

Answer

Samuel Beckett

Question 16

Which playwright is widely regarded as the pioneer of the Theatre of the Absurd?

Accepted Answer

Eugene Ionesco

Answer

Harold Pinter

Answer

Joe Orton

Answer

Tom Stoppard

Question 17

Who authored the influential essay 'The Theatre and its Double', which theorized the concept of the 'double' in drama?

Accepted Answer

Antonin Artaud

Answer

Bertolt Brecht

Answer

Stanislavski

Answer

Jacques Derrida

Question 18

Which of the following is a characteristic of Brecht's Epic Theatre?

Accepted Answer

Techniques that create critical distance between audience and performance

Answer

Immersive and emotionally engaging acting

Answer

Linear and chronological narrative structure

Answer

Use of naturalistic stagecraft and realistic props

Question 19

What is the term for a genre of theatre that merges elements of drama, dance, and music?

Accepted Answer

Total theatre

Answer

Physical theatre

Answer

Post-dramatic theatre

Answer

Ensemble theatre

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a common characteristic of modernist drama?

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on realism

Answer

Subjectivity

Answer

Non-linearity

Answer

Fragmentation

Question 21

The Théâtre de l'Absurde is most closely associated with which of the following philosophical movements?

Accepted Answer

Existentialism

Answer

Naturalism

Answer

Epic Theater

Answer

Symbolism

Question 22

The feminist theater movement emerged in the 20th century primarily in response to:

Accepted Answer

Gender inequality and the underrepresentation of women in the theater

Answer

Political censorship

Answer

Economic depression

Question 23

Which theme is commonly explored in contemporary theater?

Accepted Answer

Identity and social change

Answer

Psychological realism

Answer

Myth and ritual

Answer

Historical events

Question 24

Which of the following is a key principle of Augusto Boal's Theater of the Oppressed?

Accepted Answer

Audience participation

Answer

Emphasis on psychological realism

Answer

Elaborate costumes and sets

Answer

Use of traditional theatrical forms

Question 25

The concept of the 'fourth wall' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The imaginary boundary between the audience and the stage

Answer

The backstage area of the theater

Answer

The fourth dimension in theatrical performance

Question 26

Which of the following is a major influence on the development of contemporary physical theater?

Accepted Answer

Butoh

Answer

Method acting

Answer

Expressionist acting

Answer

Commedia dell'arte