Master Contemporary American Drama: Explore Social Justice, Identity, and Politics

Question 1

Identify the central theme explored in August Wilson's works:

Accepted Answer

The experiences of African Americans in 20th-century America

Answer

The complexities of identity and belonging

Answer

The impact of industrialization on society

Answer

The search for spirituality in a secular world

Question 2

In Lynn Nottage's play 'Intimate Apparel,' which character best represents the intersection of race, class, and gender?

Accepted Answer

Esther

Answer

Mr. Marks

Answer

Mrs. Van Buren

Answer

George

Question 3

Identify a defining characteristic of contemporary American drama:

Accepted Answer

Non-linear storytelling techniques

Answer

Emphasis on historic events and figures

Answer

Minimalist dialogue and sparse staging

Answer

Epic scope and grandeur

Question 4

August Wilson's plays are known for their exploration of:

Accepted Answer

African American history and culture

Answer

Political activism

Answer

The American Dream

Answer

Existentialism

Question 5

In which of Tony Kushner's plays does the character Roy Cohn serve as a thinly veiled allegory for Joseph McCarthy?

Accepted Answer

Angels in America

Answer

The Intelligent Homosexual's Guide to Capitalism and Socialism with a Key to the Scriptures

Answer

A Bright Room Called Day

Answer

Slavs!

Question 6

Lynn Nottage's play 'Sweat' primarily examines the impact of:

Accepted Answer

Industrial decline on a working-class community

Answer

Immigration on American identity

Answer

Climate change on environmental justice

Answer

School segregation on educational equity

Question 7

Which playwright is renowned for their exploration of racial identity in the African-American experience?

Accepted Answer

August Wilson

Answer

Tony Kushner

Answer

Lynn Nottage

Answer

Edward Albee

Question 8

In Tony Kushner's 'Angels in America,' which character grapples with identity amidst the AIDS crisis?

Accepted Answer

Prior Walter

Answer

Roy Cohn

Answer

Louis Ironson

Answer

Harper Pitt

Question 9

Which feature is characteristic of Tony Kushner's dramaturgical style?

Accepted Answer

Epic scope and non-linear structure

Answer

Heightened realism and psychological exploration

Answer

Minimalist style and sparse dialogue

Answer

Brechtian alienation techniques

Question 10

Which significant influence shapes Tony Kushner's playwriting style?

Accepted Answer

Bertolt Brecht and Theater of the Absurd

Answer

Classical Greek tragedy and Shakespearean drama

Answer

Naturalism and realism

Answer

Contemporary American comedy

Question 11

Tony Kushner's 'Angels in America' garnered critical acclaim for its groundbreaking exploration of:

Accepted Answer

The AIDS epidemic, homophobia, and political conservatism during the Reagan era

Answer

Racial tensions, economic inequality, and the American dream in the 1960s

Answer

Environmental degradation, climate change, and the future of humanity in the 21st century

Question 12

Lynn Nottage's 'Ruined' powerfully sheds light on the devastating impact of:

Accepted Answer

Civil war on the lives of women in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Answer

Colonialism on indigenous communities in the Americas

Answer

Environmental racism on marginalized neighborhoods in the United States

Question 13

A defining characteristic of contemporary American drama is its focus on:

Accepted Answer

Experimentalism, non-traditional forms, and innovation

Answer

Traditional realism and everyday life experiences

Answer

Escapism and entertainment value

Question 14

In August Wilson's plays, the blues serves as:

Accepted Answer

A musical backdrop that evokes the characters' emotional struggles and cultural heritage

Answer

A narrative device that advances the plot and drives the action

Answer

A purely decorative element that adds atmosphere and ambiance

Question 15

How did the Civil Rights Movement and the Black Arts Movement shape the themes and evolution of contemporary American drama?

Accepted Answer

Increased focus on race and identity in American drama

Answer

Decreased popularity of American drama

Answer

No significant impact on American drama

Question 16

A defining characteristic of Lynn Nottage's plays is her:

Accepted Answer

Focus on marginalized communities and their narratives

Answer

Exploration of major historical events

Answer

Use of avant-garde theater techniques

Question 17

Contemporary American drama engages with social justice issues through:

Accepted Answer

Providing a platform for marginalized voices and challenging societal norms

Answer

Promoting specific political ideologies

Answer

Presenting historical accounts of past injustices

Question 18

In August Wilson's 'The Piano Lesson', a key theme is:

Accepted Answer

The intergenerational transmission of historical trauma

Answer

The importance of education for African Americans

Answer

The struggle for economic equality

Question 19

A distinctive feature of Lynn Nottage's 'Intimate Apparel' is its:

Accepted Answer

Exploration of women's sexuality and agency in the early 20th century

Answer

Focus on the African American experience during the Great Depression

Answer

Use of a non-linear narrative structure

Question 20

Contemporary American drama reflects the political landscape of the United States by:

Accepted Answer

Exploring complexities of identity, power dynamics, and social change

Answer

Providing a platform for political propaganda

Answer

Focusing exclusively on historical events

Question 21

In August Wilson's 'Jitney', a central focus is on:

Accepted Answer

The lives and struggles of African Americans in Pittsburgh

Answer

The impact of the Vietnam War on society

Answer

The use of a postmodern narrative structure

Question 22

Which playwright is renowned for their exploration of African-American history and culture in their plays?

Accepted Answer

August Wilson

Answer

Sam Shepard

Answer

Edward Albee

Answer

Tennessee Williams

Question 23

Who wrote the Pulitzer Prize-winning play 'Angels in America'?

Accepted Answer

Tony Kushner

Answer

August Wilson

Answer

Lynn Nottage

Answer

Suzan-Lori Parks

Question 24

What is a central theme in Lynn Nottage's plays?

Accepted Answer

Social justice

Answer

Existentialism

Answer

Magical realism

Answer

Absurdism

Question 25

What is a defining feature of August Wilson's 'Century Cycle' plays?

Accepted Answer

They depict the African-American experience in each decade of the 20th century.

Answer

They incorporate elements of jazz music.

Answer

They are written in verse.

Question 26

Which play won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2019?

Accepted Answer

Fairview

Answer

Pass Over

Answer

The Inheritance

Answer

Hadestown

Question 27

Which of the following is NOT a defining characteristic of contemporary American drama?

Accepted Answer

Minimalism

Answer

Political engagement

Answer

Experimental form

Answer

Diverse voices

Question 28

What technique do contemporary American playwrights often employ to explore social issues?

Accepted Answer

Docudrama

Answer

Naturalism

Answer

Metatheater

Answer

Brechtian alienation

Question 29

Which playwright is known for their lyrical language and poetic imagery?

Accepted Answer

Suzan-Lori Parks

Answer

August Wilson

Answer

Lynn Nottage

Answer

Tony Kushner

Question 30

Which contemporary American play explores the theme of environmental degradation?

Accepted Answer

The Great Society

Answer

The Jacksonian

Answer

Fences

Answer

Sweat

Question 31

What is a key contribution of contemporary American drama to the theatrical landscape?

Accepted Answer

It offers diverse perspectives and challenges traditional narratives.

Answer

It has revived classical forms of theater.

Answer

It has made theater more accessible to a wider audience.