Question 1

What is 'nonmatrixed performance'?
A) performing outside of conventional theatre spaces
B) doing something onstage other than playing a character
C) switching roles within a single performance
D) operating as both performer and audience

Accepted Answer

Nonmatrixed performance refers to actions onstage that are not part of the character portrayal, such as when an actor performs tasks or actions that are not related to their character's role.

Question 2

What type of performers practice 'received acting'?
A) extras
B) ballet dancers
C) performance artists
D) kabuki performers

Accepted Answer

Extras in film and television often practice 'received acting,' where they perform in the background without speaking lines, reacting to the main action as directed.

Question 3

In realistic acting, how does the actor relate to the role?
A) She is enclosed within it.
B) She moves in and out of the role.
C) She conforms to the rules of the role.
D) She "stands outside" the role to a certain extent.

Accepted Answer

A

Question 4

In Brechtian acting, how does the actor relate to the role?
A) He is enclosed within it.
B) He moves in and out of the role.
C) He conforms to the rules of the role.
D) He "stands outside" the role to a certain extent.

Accepted Answer

In Brechtian acting, the actor is expected to "stand outside" the role to a certain extent, in order to distance themselves from the character and emphasize the political or social message of the play. This is achieved through techniques such as breaking the fourth wall, using narration, and performing in a stylized, exaggerated manner. Therefore, the actor does not fully embody or enclosed within the role, but instead moves in and out of the role to create a critical distance.

Question 5

Bertolt Brecht was greatly influenced by a performance he saw by which of the following artists?
A) Mei Lanfang
B) Allan Kaprow
C) Carolee Schneemann
D) Lee Strasberg
E) Ruth St. Denis

Accepted Answer

Bertolt Brecht was greatly influenced by a performance he saw by Mei Lanfang, a Chinese opera performer, in Moscow in 1935. Mei's style of performance, which emphasized stylization and distance, influenced Brecht's concept of "alienation effect" in his own theatrical works.

Question 6

Codified performance forms involve years of:
A) formal training
B) improvisation
C) script analysis
D) all of the above

Accepted Answer

Codified performance forms require years of formal training to master the specific movements and techniques involved. Improvisation and script analysis may be involved in performance, but they are not the primary requirement for mastery of these forms.

Question 7

Which of these is not a key element of a show trial?
A) demonstrating the power of the state
B) an intent to scare or control the public
C) an outcome determined in advance
D) televised proceedings

Accepted Answer

While televised proceedings may often be included in a show trial, it is not a key element. The other options listed are typically present in a show trial, with the trial being used to showcase the power of the state, intimidate the public, and reach a predetermined outcome.

Question 8

How does Schechner describe the relationship between our sense of self and the role that we play?
A) a psychological mobius strip
B) a psychological spinning top
C) a psychological golf ball
D) a psychological Rubiks cube

Accepted Answer

Schechner describes the relationship between our sense of self and the role that we play as a psychological mobius strip, meaning that the two are intertwined and affect each other in a continuous and complex way.

Question 9

Why does Schechner say that even realistic acting is codified?
A) because it is based on learned behaviors
B) because we are not used to telling the difference between codifed and realistic styles
C) because it is often improvised
D) because reality is coded as 'natural'

Accepted Answer

Realistic acting is considered codified because it relies on learned behaviors and conventions that actors use to portray reality, even though it may appear spontaneous or natural.

Quiz 6: Performing

What is 'nonmatrixed performance'?

What type of performers practice 'received acting'?

In realistic acting, how does the actor relate to the role?

In Brechtian acting, how does the actor relate to the role?

Bertolt Brecht was greatly influenced by a performance he saw by which of the following artists?

Codified performance forms involve years of:

Which of these is not a key element of a show trial?

How does Schechner describe the relationship between our sense of self and the role that we play?

Why does Schechner say that even realistic acting is codified?