Theater History

About Theater History

Theater History is a free general knowledge quiz with 15 multiple-choice questions with a mix of 7 easy, 6 medium, 2 hard questions. From ancient Greece to Broadway, explore the rich history of the theatrical arts! A typical run takes about 7 minutes, hints are always one tap away, and your streak ticks up the first time you finish a game on a given day.

A few sample questions

1. 1. In which ancient civilization did Western theater originate, around the 5th century BC?

   Answer: Greece

   Western theater originated in ancient Greece, growing out of religious festivals honoring the god Dionysus. Athens became the center of dramatic performance, with great outdoor amphitheaters.

2. 2. What was Shakespeare's famous theater in London called?

   Answer: The Globe

   The Globe Theatre was built in 1599 by Shakespeare's playing company, the Lord Chamberlain's Men. It burned down in 1613 during a performance of 'Henry VIII' and was rebuilt the following year.

3. 3. What theatrical district in New York City is synonymous with American musical theater?

   Answer: Broadway

   Broadway refers to the theater district around Times Square in Manhattan, home to approximately 41 professional theaters. It has been the commercial heart of American theater since the early 1900s.

4. 4. In ancient Greek theater, what was the 'orchestra'?

   Answer: The circular area where the chorus performed

   The orchestra was the flat, circular area at the base of the seating where the chorus danced and sang. The word comes from the Greek 'orcheisthai,' meaning 'to dance.'

5. 5. The Commedia dell'arte, an improvisational theater form, originated in which country?

   Answer: Italy

   Commedia dell'arte arose in 16th-century Italy, featuring masked stock characters like Harlequin, Colombina, and Pantalone. Performers improvised dialogue around basic plot outlines called 'scenarios.'

Things you'll learn along the way

• ✓Kabuki theater originated in the early 1600s. It features dramatic makeup, elaborate costumes, and exaggerated movements. Female roles are played by specialized male actors called onnagata.
• ✓A soliloquy is a dramatic device where a character speaks their thoughts aloud while alone on stage. Shakespeare's 'To be, or not to be' from 'Hamlet' is the most famous example.
• ✓London's West End has been the center of British theater since the 17th century. It contains around 40 theaters, many of which are historic Victorian and Edwardian venues.