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(2019·合肥质检)
Theaters of the Past
The Greek Theater
Theaters developed in many parts of Greece. Ancient Greek theaters were built in natural openair 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 Armada. 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.
解析：选A 细节理解题。根据第一段第三句“This allowed a great mass of people to enjoy a show at a time”可知，希腊剧院依山而建是为了可以容纳大量的观众，故选A。
2．In which theater could actors' voices and speeches help create scenes?
A．The Greek Theater.
B．The Medieval Theater.
C．The Elizabethan Theater.
D．The Restoration Theater.
解析：选C 细节理解题。根据第三段倒数第二句可知，在伊丽莎白一世时代的剧院里，演员们必须运用声音和对白才能够创造场景，故选C。
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.
解析：选B 细节理解题。根据最后一段最后一句“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”可知，王朝复辟时期的剧院的特别之处在于其巧妙的舞台设计，故选B。
