6 - Understanding Historical Theater Practices

What was one major challenge for the audience during historical plays due to no intervals?

• Inability to purchase snacks

• No restroom facilities

• Difficulty in seeing the stage

• Lack of entertainment

In historical times, what was a common solution for women in the audience when there were no restrooms?

• Waiting until the play ended

• Lifting their skirts to relieve themselves

• Using designated areas

• Leaving the play early

What was not invented yet that affected women's experience at historical plays?

• Program brochures

• Seat cushions

• Knickers

• Opera glasses

Why was the absence of curtains significant in historical theaters?

• Plays could not be paused

• Audience could interact with actors

• Scenes with deaths were visible until the end

• Actors could not change costumes

How did actors in historical plays handle scenes with characters who were supposed to be dead?

• By remaining motionless for hours

• Using dummies as replacements

• Covering themselves with a cloth

• Standing up and leaving the stage visibly

What theatrical technique was employed to cover the awkwardness of dead characters leaving the stage?

• Having a dance

• All actors exit at once

• Turning off the lights

• Playing loud music

How did the lack of artificial lighting impact the end of plays in historical theaters?

• Plays had to end before sunset

• Actors used candles to illuminate themselves

• Audience participation was required

• Dead characters had to visibly leave the stage

Which modern film ends with a dance party, similar to historical plays?

• The Godfather

• Inception

• Shrek

• Titanic

What purpose did the musical number at the end of historical plays serve?

• To celebrate the actors

• To signal the play's continuation

• To indicate the characters are no longer in role

• To start an intermission

Which Shakespeare play mentioned uses a jig to transition from death scenes?

• Romeo and Juliet

• Hamlet

• Othello

• Macbeth