Assignment: 8.4 Discussion- History of Theatre

Oklahoma High School- Drama/Theatre Course (OK Art Tech)
2025-03-06T14:26:09Z

Due:

History of Theatre

Medieval Theatre

Examples of Medieval theatre stages on a wagon and a platform

Medieval theatre is largely characterized as religious in mood and subject. During this time, three types of plays became the featured theatre for audiences: mystery, miracle, and morality play.

Mystery plays often represented stories from the Bible, as the Christian church controlled nearly every aspect of Medieval daily life.

Miracle plays told the stories of saints who were believed to perform miracles.

Morality plays focused on the themes of good and evil.

Plays during this time were performed outside on large, movable stages called pageants, where audience members would go from stage to stage to see the different scenes of the play. Most people in Medieval Europe were uneducated, meaning many could not read. The Christian church used this as an opportunity to educate people about the Bible through theatre, which continued for hundreds of years.

Renaissance Theatre

Examples of Renaissance theatre stages

The Renaissance was characterized by a "rebirth" of the arts, education, and communication. As such, theatre underwent noteworthy transformations. A few of these theatre transformations during the Renaissance include:

Non-religious (secular) subjects in plays

The development of permanent theaters

Main types of plays include comedy, tragedy, and history (like that of Shakespeare's plays)

Another important aspect of Renaissance theatre was that permanent theaters were public venues, so people of all classes could watch dramatic performances. Women were not allowed to participate in theatre, so all actors were men during this time.

Prompt

Answer the questions in the discussion section below:

1. Identify two differences between medieval theatre and Renaissance theatre.

2. Compare Renaissance theatre to the modern theatre you see today. What aspects are the same?

How to view the rubric

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How to submit

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3. Click Post Reply

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History of Theatre

Medieval Theatre

Examples of Medieval theatre stages on a wagon and a platform

Medieval theatre is largely characterized as religious in mood and subject. During this time, three types of plays became the featured theatre for audiences: mystery, miracle, and morality play.

Mystery plays often represented stories from the Bible, as the Christian church controlled nearly every aspect of Medieval daily life.

Miracle plays told the stories of saints who were believed to perform miracles.

Morality plays focused on the themes of good and evil.

Plays during this time were performed outside on large, movable stages called pageants, where audience members would go from stage to stage to see the different scenes of the play. Most people in Medieval Europe were uneducated, meaning many could not read. The Christian church used this as an opportunity to educate people about the Bible through theatre, which continued for hundreds of years.

Renaissance Theatre

Examples of Renaissance theatre stages

The Renaissance was characterized by a "rebirth" of the arts, education, and communication. As such, theatre underwent noteworthy transformations. A few of these theatre transformations during the Renaissance include:

Non-religious (secular) subjects in plays

The development of permanent theaters

Main types of plays include comedy, tragedy, and history (like that of Shakespeare's plays)

Another important aspect of Renaissance theatre was that permanent theaters were public venues, so people of all classes could watch dramatic performances. Women were not allowed to participate in theatre, so all actors were men during this time.

Prompt

Answer the questions in the discussion section below:

1. Identify two differences between medieval theatre and Renaissance theatre.

2. Compare Renaissance theatre to the modern theatre you see today. What aspects are the same?

How to view the rubric

1. Click the 3 vertical dots at the top right.

2. Find and click Show Rubric to see assignment expectations.

How to submit

1. Click Reply.

2. Type your answers or upload your work.

3. Click Post Reply

4. Click Reply on a classmate's comment to respond to their post.

*Please remember to use proper netiquette when posting.