Question

Theaters of the Past

The Greek Theater

Theaters developed in many parts of Greece. Ancient Greek theaters were built in natural open air sites on conveniently shaped hills. This allowed a great mass of people to enjoy a show at a time. Due to this, actors placed emphasis on exaggerated (夸张的) action and speech. And, colorful symbolic masks and costumes were used.

The Medieval Theater

The Medieval theater started in churches. That’s why medieval plays were about Bible stories. At first, it became a custom for priests (牧师) to act out brief scenes during Christmas and Easter. These acts attracted large crowds. Finally the church refused to allow priests to participate in any such events again, so ordinary people began these performances outside. Performances were set in the town square, with several stage settings around it.

The Elizabethan Theater

The England’s theater developed rapidly in the years following the defeat of the Spanish Navy. The dominant feature of Elizabethan theater was the stage, It has three parts: The fore stage for outside scenes ;the inner stage for scenes inside a building; an upper stage or balcony for various purposes. The reason for this design is that there were no scene changes, or breaks during the play. Very little scenery was used, so the actors had to create a scene through their voices and dialogues. This led to a more poetic script , and poets became the main source of script writing.

The Restoration Theater

Some of the plays told sad stories, but the majority of the plays were really funny. Many specialized machines were used to create the scene. The stage was a very clever idea , in that on the sides of the stage large back shutters (百叶窗) were painted with the scene.

1.Why were ancient Greek theaters built on hills?

A.To hold a large audience.

B.To build a big and strong stage.

C.To have a better sound effect.

D.To emphasize exaggerated performances.

2.In which theater could actors’ voices and speech help create scenes?

A.The Greek Theater.

B.The Medieval Theater,

C.The Elizabethan Theater,

D.The Restoration Theater.

3.What is special about the Restoration Theater?

A.Colorful masks were used.

B.The stage was smartly designed.

C.Most of its plays were sorrowful.

D.Ordinary people were the performers.

Answer

1.A

2.C

3.B

【解析】

本文为说明文。文章介绍了四个古代的剧院。

1.细节理解题。根据The Greek Theater中的Ancient Greek theaters were built in natural open air sites on conveniently shaped hills. This allowed a great mass of people to enjoy a show at a time.(古希腊的剧院建在自然开阔的地方，建在形状方便的山上。这使得一大群人可以一次欣赏一场演出)可知，希腊剧院建在山上是为了让更多的观众可以一起欣赏演出。故选A。

2.细节理解题。根据The Elizabethan Theater中的Very little scenery was used, so the actors had to create a scene through their voices and dialogues.(布景用得很少，所以演员们不得不通过他们的声音和对话来创造一个场景)可知，在The Elizabethan Theater, 演员的声音和言语能帮助创造场景。故选C。

3.推理判断题。根据The Restoration Theater中的The stage was a very clever idea , in that on the sides of the stage large back shutters (百叶窗) were painted with the scene.(舞台是一个非常聪明的想法，因为舞台两侧的大背板上都画着场景)可知，在The Restoration Theater舞台设计非常巧妙。故选B。