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MODULE 2
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
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History of Theatre in Great Britain
A Visit to the Theatre
The performance arts: reviews and critiques
The Ukrainian Theatre
The Ukrainian Theatre. My Favourite Playwright/Actor/Actress

Speaking
Comment on the following quotation:
“All the world ‘s a stage. And all the men and women merely players:
They have their exits and their entrances”
/W.Shakespeare “As You Like It”/
History of Theatre in Great Britain
 1. Read the text. Make sure you study the language of the text
to be competent in further exercises and discussions.
HISTORY OF THEATRE IN
GREAT BRITAIN
THE ELIZABETHAN THEATRE
Although plays of one sort and
another had been acted for many
generations, no permanent playhouse
was erected in England until 1576. In
the 1570's the Lord Mayor and
Aldermen of the City of London and the
players were constantly at variance.
As a result James Burbage, then the
leader of the great Earl of Leicester's
players, decided that he would erect a
playhouse outside the jurisdiction of
the Lord Mayor, where the players
would no longer be hindered by the
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authorities. Accordingly in 1576 he built the Theatre in Shoreditch, at that
time a suburb of London. The experiment was successful, and by 1592
there were two more playhouses in London, the Curtain /also in
Shoreditch/, and the Rose on the south bank of the river, near Southwark
Cathedral.
Elizabethan players were accustomed to act on a variety of stages;
in the great hall of a nobleman's house, or one of the Queen's palaces, in
town halls and in yards, as well as their own theatre.
The public playhouse for which most of Shakespeare's plays were
written was a small and intimate affair. The outside measurement of the
Fortune Theatre, which was built in 1600 to rival the new Globe, was but
eighty feet square. Playhouses were usually circular or octagonal, with
three tiers of galleries looking down upon the yard or pit, which was open
to the sky. The stage jutted out into the yard so that the actors came
forward into the midst of their audience. Over the stage there was a
roof, and on either side doors by which the characters entered or
disappeared. Over the back of the stage ran a gallery or upper stage which
was used whenever an upper scene was needed, as when Romeo climbs
up to Juliet's bedroom, or the citizens of Angiers address King John from
the walls. The space beneath this upper stage was known as the tiring
house; it was concealed from the audience by a curtain which would be
drawn back to reveal an inner stage, for such scenes as the witches' cave
in Macbeth, Prospero's cell or Juliet's tomb.
There was no general curtain concealing the whole stage, so that all
scenes on the main stage began with an entrance and ended with an exit.
Thus in tragedies the dead must be carried away. There was no scenery,
and therefore no limit to the number of scenes, for a scene came to an end
when the characters left the stage. When it was necessary for the exact
locality of a scene to be known, then Shakespeare indicated it in the
dialogue; otherwise a simple property or a garment was sufficient; a chair
or stool showed an indoor scene, a man wearing riding boots was a
messenger, a king wearing armour was on the battlefield, or the like. Such
simplicity was on the whole an advantage; the spectator was not
distracted by the setting and Shakespeare was able to use as many
scenes as he wished. The action passed by very quickly: a play of 2500
lines of verse could be acted in two hours. Moreover, since the actor was so
close to his audience, the slightest subtlety of voice and gesture was
easily appreciated.
The company was a "Fellowship of Players", who were all partners
and shares. There were usually ten to fifteen full members, with three or
four boys, and some paid servants. Shakespeare had therefore to write for
his team. The chief actor in the company was Richard Burbage, who first
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distinguished himself as Richard III; for him Shakespeare wrote his great
tragic parts. An important member of the company was the clown or low
comedian. From 1594 to 1600 the company's clown was Will Kemp; he was
succeeded by Robert Armin. No women were allowed to appear on the
stage, and all women's parts were taken by boys.
2. Comprehensive questions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
When did James Burbage decide to erect a playhouse? Why?
What was the name of the first playhouse?
Was the experiment successful?
Where were Elizabethan players accustomed to act?
When was the Fortune Theatre built?
Describe the building of the Elizabethan theatre.
What do you know about the company a "Fellowship of Players"?
Were women allowed to appear on the stage?
Did the stage resemble the present day one?
3. Language focus
Explain the meanings of the following words and word
combinations in English and use them in situations of your own:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
to be at variance
to hinder
outside measurement
outside the jurisdiction
to be a small and intimate affair
rival
octagonal
to jut out
to come forward into the midst of their audience
to conceal
garment
to distract
subtlety
to be appreciated
to be sufficient
to distinguish oneself as
to be succeeded by
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! Memory work
4. Enrich your vocabulary:
to conceal smth. from smb. – приховувати будь-що від будь-кого
to conceal oneself -ховатися
to reveal oneself -з'явитися, виявитися
to reveal one's іdentіfy - назвати себе
suffіcіent tіtle - достатня підстава
sіmplіcіty of habіts - скромні звички
to be dіstracted wіth paіn - збожеволіти від болю
such subtletіes are beyond my reach - такі тонкощі вище мого
розуміння
to dіstіnguіsh oneself - відрізнитися
dіstіnguіshіng features –розпізнавальні ознаки
dіstіnguіshed guest - почесний гість
rollіng scenery -пересувні декорації
a change of scenery - зміна обстановки
to be complіmentary about the the scenery – схвально озиватися про
декорації
we erected a statue to hіs memory - на згадку про нього ми поставили
статую
to erect the ears - насторожити вуха
to buіld /to erect/ a monument - спорудити пам'ятник
varіances іn temperature - коливання температури
fortune's varіance - мінливість долі
states at varіance - держави, між якими виник конфлікт
(to be) at varіance - у сварці
to set at varіance - викликати конфлікт
domestіc jurіsdіctіon - внутрішня компетенція
wіthіn (the) jurіsdіctіon (of) - у межах юрисдикції
to hіnder smb. - заважати кому-небудь
to hіnder smb. іn smth. - заважати комусь у чомусь
to become accustomed - звикнути
іntіmate detaіls - інтимні подробиці
іntіmate dіary - особистий щоденник
іntіmate connectіon - інтимний зв'язок
to be іntіmate wіth smb. - бути в інтимних відносинах з ким-небудь.
іntіmate frіend - близький друг
іntіmate relatіons - дружні відносини
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to be on іntіmate terms wіth smb. -підтримувати дружні (приятельські)
відносини з ким-небудь; бути в інтимних (любовних) відносинах з кимнебудь.
rіval fіrms - конкуруючі фірми
rіval decіsіon - альтернативне рішення
busіness rіvals - конкуренти
rіvals іn love - суперники в коханні
wіthout a rіval - не має суперників; не має собі рівних,
неперевершений, поза конкуренцією
three tіers of shelves - три ряди полиць
arranged tіer upon tіer - укладення в кілька полиць
to arrange іn tіers - укласти в кілька ярусів
the lowest tіer of socіety - нижчий клас суспільства
 5. Give English equivalents for the following word
combinations:
заборонене носіння зброї; він насилу приховував роздратування; бути
надійно захованим; він не міг приховати свою непідготовленість до цієї
роботи; приховувати свої задуми під маскою ввічливості; ховати
(укривати) біженця; приховувати своє справжнє ім'я походження,
неуцтво, страх; приховувати правду; він повернувся так, що ми
розгледіли (побачили) його обличчя; його поведінка свідчить про
великий розум; у картині безпомилково вгадується її автор; я розповім
вам, як мені це представилося;
відкрити (повідати) кому-небудь. таємницю; відкрити кому-небудь свою
душу; він не та людина, яку варто знайомити з такою важливою
інформацією; свідок відмовився назвати особу, що дала йому
відомості;
розкрити змову; його мовчання красномовніше слів; хіба мого слова не
досить?; простота завдання (аргументації); сувора простота;
простодушність (щирість) дитини; простодушність, прямодушність.
 Listening
STRATFORD UPON AVON AND SHAKESPEARE
6. Write whether the following statements are true or false.
1.
2.
3.
4.
William Shakespeare was born and died on the same date.
William's father had a profession of a glover.
Shakespeare was very young when he started earning his living.
The “dark lady” whom he wrote his poems was his wife.
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5. Shakespeare was baptized and is buried in the same church.
6. After returning home he continued writing plays for the theatre.
7. Answer the following questions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
How many plays and sonnets did Shakespeare write?
How many brothers and sisters did he have?
What was William doing in London?
Whom did he write his poems?
What was William's life after returning home?
What are “half-timbered houses”?
8. Listen to the first paragraph once more and try to complete the
gaps.
23 April is ... day when ... fans all .... the world . ...the birth .... death of
William ..., who wrote ... least 37 ... and 154 .... , and many ... poems. Many
... believe that ... was born ... that he ... on the ... date, but ... records prove
... he died ... 23 April ... , there is ... to prove when he ... born. The ... we
can … is that … was baptized ... 26 April ... . But it's ... nice idea ...
celebrate both... birth and ... death on ... same day - ... is also ... Day.
St. George... the national ... of England (... Greece).
 9.
Translate into English:
Вільям Шекспір
В історії Великобританії багато знаменитих імен. Ім'я Вільяма
Шекспіра — одне з них.
Вільям Шекспір, великий англійський поет і драматург, народився
в 1564 році в місті Стратфорд-на-Ейвоні. У той час в Англії не було
театрів.
Групи акторів переїжджали з міста в місто, показуючи вистави на
вулиці. Іноді актори заїжджали й у Стратфорд-на-Ейвоні.Хлопчик
приходив дивитися всі їхні вистави, і вони дуже подобалися йому. Він
хотів стати актором. Час від часу він писав невеликі п'єски і ставив їх зі
своїми друзями.
Коли йому виповнився 21 рік, Вільям відправився в Лондон.
Там він приєднався до акторської трупи. Спочатку Шекспір тільки допомагав акторам, а потім почав писати п'єси для них. Незабаром п'єси
Шекспіра почали ставити все частіше й частіше, і вони стали
знаменитими.
Театр, де працював Шекспір, називався «Глобус». Це був перший
професійний театр.
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П'єси Шекспіра знають усі. Найвідоміші з них — «Отелло»,
«Гамлет», «Ромео і Джульєтта», «Король Лір».
Шекспір показував дійсне життя і стосунки між людьми. Теми його
творів - любов і смерть, дружба і зрадництво, і відданість. П'єси
Шекспіра будуть завжди цікаві людям.
10. Explain the contextual meaning of the words in bold and
translate the following sentences into Ukrainian.
1.
The shadows concealed her as she crept up to the house.
2.
A wide-brimmed hat concealed her graying hair.
3.
He managed to conceal the fact that he had been in prison and so
got a job as a security officer.
4.
He may be prosecuted for revealing secrets about the security
agency.
5.
Carter's face was a blank, revealing no emotion.
6.
Separate holidays and weekends apart reveal more clearly than any
words the state of their marriage.
7.
The way he spoke in the bar afterwards revealed prejudice and
bitterness that I had never suspected.
8.
His career has been hindered by injury.
9.
The high cost of the vaccine has severely hindered its use.
10. We can only prosecute if there is sufficient evidence.
11. The money should be sufficient for one month's travel.
12. Give yourself sufficient time to get really stuck into your matter.
13. The committee has jurisdiction over all tax measures.
14. The courts said the claim raised "political questions" that were
outside its jurisdiction.
15. We were accustomed to working together.
16. Tradition and culture are often at variance with the needs of modern
living.
17. The prince built a vast palace, rivalling Versailles in size and
opulence.
18. Don't distract your father while he's driving.
19. To distract myself, I was playing a little game wherein I tried to
determine which apparatus I hated most.
20. The design was beautiful in its simplicity.
21. That's why the vast majority of users are attracted to Microsoft
Windows by its very simplicity.
22. I couldn't distinguish the words, but his tone was clear.
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 11.
Give English equivalents for the following word
combinations:
відволікти чиюсь увагу від чого-небудь;ти мені заважаєш, ти мене
відволікаєш від справи; горе приголомшило її (вона збожеволіла від
горя); відтінки значень слів; відрізняти одну річ від іншої; проводити
розрізнення між двома речами;розрізнити (впізнати) звук барабана; я
не міг розглянути його в натовпі; моя думка на відміну від думки моєї
дружини;людина відрізняється від тварин даром мови; він далеко піде;
гарний, нічого не скажеш!; відрізняти гарне від поганого; видатний
оратор; відрізнятися справжньою шляхетністю; він вважається
видатним ученим; мальовничий пейзаж; подорожувати мальовничою
місцевістю; усі, хто сюди приходять, милуються цим краєвидом;
зробити декорації до п'єси; сільський пейзаж; дикий ландшафт,
недоторкана природа ;(театральні) декорації; змінна декорація;
мінливий ландшафт; пустельний ландшафт; лісовий пейзаж;
побудувати будинок; спорудити храм; спорудити пам'ятник;
"споруджено за проектом ..."; випрямлятися; пам'ятник, споруджений
на пожертвування громадян; розходитися в думках, не погоджуватися;
думки істориків з цього питання розходяться; показання свідків
розходяться; недружня родина; викликати конфлікт; нацьковувати
людей один на одного.
12. Read the text quickly to get a general idea of the theatre
THE GLOBE THEATRE
Great changes took place in social life of England during the reign of
Queen Elizabeth I /1558-1603/. England turned from a secondary
European power, which unofficially participated in piracy on high-seas,
into a first-rate naval power after defeating the Great Spanish Armada
in 1588.
The victory brought England power, wealth and rise in culture. It was
the time of the English Renaissance, and sometimes it is called "the age
of Shakespeare". First playhouses in England appeared at that time. Until
then troupes of professional players toured the country and staged their
plays for the wealthy nobles.
Shakespeare already then a famous actor and playwright with other
professional actors and managers decided to build their own playhouse.
"Theatre" was the name of the first playhouse built by Burbage, a carpenter
and an actor in 1576 and pulled down in 1583 because the landowner did
not wish to renew the contract.
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The actors including Shakespeare helped the architect to design the
new playhouse which was called the "Globe". It was built in Maiden Lane
near the Thames which has become the theatrical district of London since
that time. The name of the playhouse "Globe" was not accidental. It was a
many-cornered building, circular in form inside and without a roof as
performances could only be held in day light. It had three balconies
around the walls with a small thatched roof over the gallery with the stage
protruding some 30 feet /10 meters/. In front of the entrance was a
signboard with Hercules bearing the globe upon his shoulders.
The plays were announced well in advance on bills placed on posts
all over the city but the performances could only be held if the weather
permitted. Flags were hoisted to show that the play would be held and the
flags were pulled down if the performance was cancelled. The plays were
held as a rule in the afternoon. Wealthy and noted people would send their
servants two or three hours before the play began to occupy good seats for
them. While waiting for the play to begin the public amused itself by eating
apples, nuts in autumn, pies and fried fish in winter and drinking ale,
smoking, playing cards or dice and having a good time. Women seldom
went to see a play but when they did, they wore a mask or came in man's
clothing.
The playhouse was open 5 days a week. On Sundays all the forms of
amusement were prohibited by the church and Thursdays play-acting was
forbidden by the Queen to give the bear-baiting or cock-fighting a chance
to make good business. The Queen also was very fond of bear-baiting
herself and wanted the nobles to be present.
The stage did not resemble the present day one at all. There were no
curtains to open, or close the play, all acting was performed by men, the
roles of women were done by boy actors. There was no scenery, a placard
with the word "Verona", for example, was enough for the audience to
understand where the action was taking place.
The actors moved freely along the stage fulfilling their solo or
monologue with much dramatism. The dramatist had to use his
imagination and make the audience use theirs.
The great role Shakespeare's plays had on the English audience had
no limits. He had written a lot of dramas, comedies and tragedies.
Hundreds of his sayings have become part of the English language to this
very day.
The "Globe" Playhouse is a part of the history of the English theatre.
The playhouse itself was destroyed during the Great Fire in 1666 and in its
place stands a brewery but the district of Maiden Lane and Drury Lane is
still the heart of the theatrical life in London. Shakespearian plays are still
loved by Londoners. But now new forms, modern theatres depict the great
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playwright's wit and thought on ultra modern stages, yet, it is difficult to
say if it has brought more brightness into the hearts of the audience. The
season of Shakespeare's plays which is held annually at the Shakespeare
Memorial Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon has become so established that it
now carries the reputation of an English tradition.
13. Language focus
Explain the meanings of the following words and word
combinations in English and use them in situations of your own:
1. to turn from a secondary European
power into a first-rate naval power
2. to participate in piracy on high-seas
3. the English Renaissance
4. to renew the contract
5. a small thatched roof
6. to protrude
7. to hoist
8. to resemble
9. a brewery
10. to depict the great playwright's
wit and thought
 14. Translate into English:
Найчастіше біографія великого драматурга починається з
цитування відомих слів Стивенсона, одного з перших за часом
серйозних шекспірознавців:
"Все, що відомо з певною мірою вірогідності відносно Шекспіра –
це те, що він народився у Стратфорді на Авоні, там одружився, там
з'явилися діти, поїхав до Лондона, де був спочатку актором, писав
поеми та драми, повернувся до Стратфорда, зробив заповіт, помер і
був похований".
Якби ми навіть знали кожен крок життя Шекспіра у Стратфорді, де
він прожив весь той період, коли складається духовна сутність людини,
це б ані на крок не наблизило б нас до розуміння великої загадки
народження такої величі обдарування у таких звичайних життєвих
умовах.
 15.
Give English equivalents for the following word
combinations:
виняткова підсудність; примусова підсудність; консультативна
юрисдикция; військова юрисдикция; юрисдикція слідчої комісії; це
справа виходить за межі нашої компетенції; учителі підкоряються
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директорові школи; перевищення Палатою своих повноважень;
обов'язкова юрисдикція; заперечення проти юрисдикції суду;
територіальна підсудність; добровільна підсудність; не заважай мені;
сковувати (утрудняти, заважати) чиїсь рухи; перешкоджати поширенню
впливу кого-небудь; мені перешкодили працювати; заважати комунебудь зробити що-небудь; перешкодити комусь прийти; не дати
комусь упасти; мої очі звикли до напівтемряви; він розмовляв із
властивою йому невимушеністю; потаємні почуття; внутрішня
(органічна) взаємозалежність між чим-небудь; інтуїтивно здогадуватися
(знати) про що-небудь; затишний ресторан; бути добре знайомим із
чим-небудь, мати глибокі пізнання в якій-небудь області; гарне знання
предмета; мої найближчі друзі (товариші); інтимна розмова.
16. Fill in the blanks with an appropriate word from the topical
vocabulary, making any necessary changes.
to conceal
sufficient
rival
to hinder
to reveal
to distinguish
subtlety
to be accustomed
variance
jurisdiction
simplicity
to get distracted
1.
Customs officers found a kilogram of cocaine that Smith
_____
inside his suitcase.
2.
A little ______________ in forecast numbers may be anticipated as a
consequence.
3.
A medical examination may___________________ evidence of
dietary deficiencies.
4.
It became clear that the relevant government ministers
______________ deliberately ____________ the progress of the necessary
bill.
5.
Some of the ___________________________of the language are lost
in translation.
6.
It was decided that there was_____________________ evidence to
convict Marconi.
7.
It's not within our_________________ to tell people what to do in the
privacy of their own homes.
8.
We____ _________________to using audio to present examples of
language in use.
9.
The new aeroplane would____________ its competitors in terms of
noise, range and versatility.
10. I'd love to tell you what he did with it but I must not _______________
from the task.
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11. Mona wrote with a beautiful
______________________________________ of style.
12. The factor that _____________________ this company from the
competition is customer service.
 17.
Give English equivalents for the following word
combinations:
ми вже другий рік перемагаємо команду супротивника; вони відставали
від своїх суперників; насміхатися над невдачливим суперником;
залишити далеко своїх суперників; розрахуватися з суперником;
позбутися соперника; його суперники не можуть із ним зрівнятися;
ліквідувати суперників з інших банд; його переманила конкуруюча
фірма; вирішувати суперечку між соперниками; у нього була велика
перевага перед соперниками не робити переваги жодному із двох
суперників;
він випередив інші газети з опублікуванням цього
повідомлення; опублікувати яке-небудь сенсаційне повідомлення
першим, обставити конкуруючі газети; недооцінювати супротивника;
його ставили вище суперників; ї я переконаний, що в нього немає
гідного супротивника; незручний (небезпечний) соперник; дружнє
суперництво; боротьба між політичними партіями, що суперничають;
дитячі ревнощі, суперництво між дітьми (одних батьків); підніматися
ярусами.
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A Visit to the Theatre

Speaking
What role does theatre play in your life?

1. Read the text and describe the theatre building.
THEATRE BUILDING
A theatre is a building where plays, operas or ballets are performed. It
has a stage for the actors and an auditorium for the audience. Thus the
auditorium is the part of a theatre where the audience sits.
The stage is raised several feet above the floor of the auditorium. At
the sides of the stage are wings. The curtain separates the stage from the
auditorium. The curtain is dropped or lowered between the scenes or arts
of a play (an opera). While the curtain is down, the workers on the stage
(called "stage hands") can change the scenery and prepare the stage for
the next part of the performance. Several doors separate the foyer from
the seating area.
Each person in a large audience can see the actors on the stage
without discomfort as the back of the auditorium is several feet higher than
the front part, so that the seats are on slope.
Above the ground floor there are generally several curved balconies
with even steeper slopes of seats.
Seats in the stalls are those near the stage on the ground floor.
Seats in the first rows of the stalls are called orchestra stalls.
Seats behind the stalls are known as the pit. This is the worst part of
the English theatre.
Next comes the dress circle, i.e. rows of seats higher up above the
stalls and further back in the theatre.
Above the dress circle, a little higher up, there is the balcony or
upper circle, as it is often called. Highest of all is the gallery.
Then there are also boxes in each tier of the theatre.
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2. Indicate in the picture below the listed parts of a theatre. Write
the correct numbers next to the name of each part.
… aisle
... spotlight
... box
... stage
… curtain
... stalls
... footlights
... wings
... gallery
3. Choose the right answer.
1. After the performance, please come …..
a) backstage
b) downstairs
c) inside
and meet some of the cast.
d) outside
2. The actors walked on to the ….. and the play began.
a) landing
b) pavement
c) platform
d) stage
3. I had to stand in a ….. four hours to get the tickets for this performance.
a) file
b) procession
c) queue
d) tail
4. After the interval, the change of ….. brought a gasp of surprise from the
audience.
a) panorama
b) scenery
c) view
d) vista
5. All the theatre seats had been sold, so there was standing ….. only.
a) area
b) place
c) room
d) space
6. The box office is open …..for ticket sales.
a) a day
b) daily
c) daytime
d) in day
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7. Your seat is number A13. That's in the front ……
a) line
b) rank
c) row
d) seat
on the right.
8. We agreed to meet in the …. of the theatre, near the cloakroom.
a) anteroom
b) foyer
c) hall
d) porch
9. My brother, who is fond of acting, has joined an ….. dramatic society.
a) amateur
b) impersonal
c) unprofessional
d) untrained
10. Are there any seats left for this week's ….. of „Tosca"?
a) acting
b) drama
c) opera
d) performance
11. All the seats in the theatre were ….. weeks before the first performance.
a) engaged
b) occupied
c) sold out
d) taken
12. The management ….. the right to refuse admission.
a) holds
b) keeps
c) preserves
d) reserves
4. Match each part of a theatre on the left with its definition
on the right.
1. AISLE
2. BACKSTAGE
3. BALCONY
4. BOX
5. BOX OFFICE
6. CIRCLE
7. FOYER
8. GALLERY (or GODS)
9. ORCHESTRA PIT
10. ROW
11. STAGE
12. STALLS
a) ticket office
b) the hall at the entrance to a theatre
c) the way between the seats in a theatre
d) a line of seats for people side by side
e) the seats on the ground floor
f) sunken area in front of the stage where an
orchestra may play
g) the part of a theatre where people can sit
above the ground level
h) one of the upper parts in a theatre, in which the
seats are arranged in part of a circle around the
building
i) the highest upper floor in a theatre
j) a small room in a theatre, on either side, from
which a small group of people can watch the play
k) the raised area in a theatre where actors
perform
l) the area out of sight of the audience
a small group of people can watch the play
k) the raised area in a theatre where actors
perform
1) the area out of sight of the audience
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5. Match each part of a stage on the left with its definitions on the
right.
1. BACKCLOTH
2. BACKSTAGE
3. CURTAIN
4. DOWNSTAGE
5. DRESSING
ROOM
6. FOOTLIGHTS
7. SCENERY
8. SET
9. SPOTLIGHT
10. TRAPDOOR
11. UPSTAGE
12. WINGS
a) something built and provided with furniture, scenery,
etc, to represent the scene of the action of a play
b) a painted cloth hung across the back of the stage
c) at or towards the back of the stage
d) at or towards the front of the stage
e) behind the stage, especially in the dressing rooms of
the actors
f) a room behind the stage where an actor can get
ready for his performance
g) the sides of a stage, where an actor is hidden from
view
h) a sheet of heavy material drawn or lowered across
the front of the stage
i) a row of lights along the front of the floor of a stage
j) a lamp with a movable narrow beam
k) the set of painted backgrounds and other objects
used on a stage
l) a small door, covering an opening in the floor on a
stage
6. Choose the correct answer.
1. He ….. on stage for only one scene.
a) appeared
b) emerged
c) entered
d) erupted
2. He played the lead in a …..production of "Macbeth".
a) memorable
b) memorised
c) recalled
d) reminded
3. Her ….. as a tragedian took her to every part of the world.
a) fame
b) glory
c) renown
d) status
4. Halfway through the first act, the leading man forgot his ….. .
a) declamations
b) lines
c) parts
d) speeches
5. He soon made a …… for himself on the stage.
a) fame
b) popularity
c) reputation
d) regard
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6. When he forgot his lines the ….. whispered them from the side of the
stage.
a) messenger
b) prompter
c) pusher
d) reminder
7. Public figures, such as actors, are often reluctant to talk about their …..
lives.
a) individual
b) particular
c) personal
d) private
8. I doubt if I will be ….. enough to play tomorrow.
a) fit
b) healthy
c) recovered
d) sound
9. Miss Best was proud to be ….. out for special praise for her performance.
a) distinguished
b) selected
c) separated
d) singled
10. Don't ….. shouting for ability as a dramatic actor.
a) identify
b) imagine
c) mislead
d) mistake
11. For the first night's performance the …..
had to be called in to take
the part because the leading lady was ill.
a) deputy
b) reserve
c) substitute
d) understudy
12. The highlight of his acting career was the opportunity to play the …. of
Hamlet.
a) characterisation
b) part
c) personage
d) play
13. The actors have to …..before they appear in front of the strong lights on
stage.
a) cover up
b) do up
c) make up
d) paint up
14. He gave the best performance of his acting career in the ….of Othello.
a) action
b) personage
c) role
d) theme
15. That comedian is very good at ….
; he can take off the President
perfectly.
a) duplications
b) impressions
c) reproductions
d) similarities
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7. Match the people on the left with a definition
on the right
1. CAST
2. HAM
3. HERO
4. HEROINE
5. STAND-IN
6. STAR
7. STUNT MAN
8. TROUPE
9. UNDERSTUDY
10. VILLAIN
a) the main bad character in a play
b) a set of actors in a play
c) a company of dancers, members of a circus
d) the most important male part in a play
e) a famous actor or actress
f) an actor who learns an important part in a play so as
to be able to take the place of the actor who plays that
part if necessary
g) a person who takes the part of an actor at dangerous
points in a film
h) the most important female part in a play
i) a person who does dangerous acts in a film so that
the actor does not have to take risks
j) an actor who acts artificially, unnaturally
8. Which of the following would you expect to see:
a) in a circus
b) in a theatre
c) in a nightclub
Some fit into more than one category.
Audience
fire-eater
sword-swallower
clown
leading lady
tightrope walker
comedian
midget
understudy
compere
ringmaster
usher
dancer
stripper
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9. Choose the right answer.
1. During the dress ….. he was relaxed, but he was very nervous on the
first night.
a) performance
b) production
c) rehearsal
d) repetition
2. The light gradually ….. and shapes and colours grew fainter.
a) died
b) disappeared
c) faded
d) melted
3. The local amateur dramatic group are going to ….. a play by Wilder.
a) make up
b) put on
c) show up
d) take up
4. The actors were very pleased that there was such a large ….. for the first
night of the new play.
a) assembly
b) audience
c) congregation
d) meeting
5. The actor had six curtain ….. after his marvellous performance.
a) calls
b) demands
c) requests
d) shouts
6. The National Theatre receives a large …..from the Government every
year.
a) donation
b) gift
c) subsidy
d) support
7. The audience ….. out laughing when the actor fell over.
a) broke
b) burst
c) called
d) shouted
8. During the …..we had a drink and discussed the first act of the play.
a) break
b) interruption
c) interval
d) pause
9. He felt nervous on the first night because he had never performed in …..
before.
a) audience
b) common
c) company
d) public
10. "Smoking ….. forbidden in the theatre".
a) exactly
b) seriously
c) strictly
d) strongly
11. What is usually called "magic" is really a trick. The quickness of the
hand ….. the eye.
a) belies
b) deceives
c) disguises
d) mistakes
12. The children gazed at the magician …..
as he performed his tricks.
a) eagle-eyed
b) hawk-eyed
c) open-eyed
d) wide-eyed
77
10. THEATRE.
Fill in the defined words.
1 _ _T
2 _ _ H_ _ _ _ _ _
3____ E___
4 _ _ _ _ A_ _ _
5 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _T
6_____R_____
7___E _
1. part of a play (3)
2. practising a play (9)
3. people watching a play (8)
4. handclapping after the play (8)
5. author of plays (10)
6. the showing of the play (11)
7. person who shows people to their seats in a theatre (5)
 11. Read the text trying to absorb the language of the theatre
and stage contained in the text.
CONFESSIONS OF A WOULD-BE ACTOR
After playing Joseph in a nativity play at the age of five and a half, I can still remember the three lines I had – my theatrical career really took
off. I was chosen to be the back end of the pantomime horse in our shool
end-of-term Chrismas show. Success there, or rather lack of it – the
horse's seams came apart soon after our first entrance – led to my being
given the job of stagehand for all future productions. Even scenery falling
over in the middle of an Italian light opera and last-minute panic over
themissing set for an ancient Greek tragedy failed to persuade our drama
teacher that I would be less of a risk on stage than off. (That, in fact, is not
strictly true. I did have a walk-on part once in a French bedroom farce – as
an apparently dumb police constable – but to everyone's horror I tried to
exit with the wrong character at the end of the wrong scene, stage left
instead of stage right.)
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On leaving school, I joined an amateur dramatic society, full of
enthusiasm but rather short on experience, technique and timing. For
some years, I was restricted to bit parts in sketches, satirical revues and
one or two slapstick comedies. My finest hour came when I had to stand
in for a member of the cast who had been taken ill – I was the general male
understudy – and take the part of the villain in a Victorian melodrama;
lost of overacting and asides to the audience. I had only a very short
rehearsal beforehand and I thought my performance was reasonably
competent. The producer, however, suggested that I took up some less
public hobby, like pottery or rug-making.
Not deterred, I joined a repertory company as stage and costumes
manager, also responsible for props and make-up. And I was their
prompter as well. During my time with them I wrote a number of scripts,
most of wich were rejected, but one of which was accepted and performed.
It turned out to be the most terrible flop. I didn't do much acting there – just
one part, if I remember rightly, in the chorus of a musical, a revival of
West Side Story. Nobody 'discovered' me. What I had aways wanted was
to play the hero in something like Romeo and Juliet or to have a leading
part in an Oscar Wilde comedy of manners. When I turned fifty, however,
I began to accept that it was probably not going to happen.
You can imagine my surprise and delight, then, when some nights ago
I learned that I had landed the title role in Shakespeare's classic play
Macbeth with the Royal Shakespeare Company. I couldn't believe my luck.
Macbeth: that superb monologue before Duncan's murder, the passages
with the witches on the heath, that fantastic Tomorrow and tomorrow
speech in Act Five, Scene 5. The dress rehearsal, with co-stars Olivier
and Glenda Jackson, was a dream. And with the first night to follow – ten
curtain calls – bouquets – reviews the next day: "Smash hit!" "Don't miss
it!" "A box office winner!" "Triumph for new Macbeth!" "A Star is …"
And then that horrible ringing sound in my ears…
79
 Listening
13. Listen to the dialogues and make up similar dialogues :
At a Theatre
(i)
A I'd like to
book two seats
for tomorrow
(ii)
Can I still get
tickets for
tonight's show?
(iii)
Are there any
seats left for
Saturday night?
B Would you
like something
in the front
stalls?
A I suppose
there's nothing
further back, is
there?
The front row of
the dress circle
is fairly free.
A-11 and B-14
You can sit
are all that's left. wherever you
like in the first
row.
Haven't you got Isn't there
anything
anything a little
cheaper?
less dear?
Are there any
boxes?
B Not unless No, I'm afraid
you come to the that's all there
matinee.
is
Only if
somebody
cancels.
80
(iv)
Is it still possible
to get tickets for
tonight?
No, I'm afraid
you've left it
rather late.
 13. Make up dialogues of your own, using the words and word
combinations given below:
1. Intending to go to the theatre.
To read a poster; to be on; to be worth; to praise; to be a theatre-goer;
famous playwright; to start the new season; to stage; a matinee; an evening
performance; to see an announcement; to be in great demand; the first
night.
2. Booking a ticket.
A row; the stalls/the gallery, the pit; the balcony;
a box/, admission; fee;
at the box-office;
to be sold out;
to get tickets in advance; an extra ticket;
to make arrangements for…;
to reserve tickets in one’s name.
The performance arts: reviews and critiques
1. Read, translate and learn useful adjectives for describing
works and performances
adjective
meaning
example
not as good as
people say
done so often it is
hackneyed
boring
complex and
impenetrable impossible to
understand
unconnected and not
disjointed
in a clear order
overrated
far-fetched
risque
/ri'skei/
It's an overrated film/play.
The plot was so hackneyed!
His films are impenetrable.
The play was disjointed and difficult
to follow
The film Green Aliens from Mars
impossible to believe
was a bit far-fetched.
slightly immoral and
The play was a bit risque, and
likely to shock some
some religious leaders criticised it.
people
81
gripping
harrowing
moving
memorable
understated
exciting and keeping
It was a gripping film from start to
your attention the
finish.
whole time
It was a harrowing documentary
extremely upsetting
about war and refugee camps.
making you feel
strong emotion,
It's a moving story about a child
especially pity or
whose mother dies.
sadness
you remember it long That was a memorable
after
performance.
done or expressed in
The whole ballet is really
a simple but
understated.
attractive style
2. Match the word combinations with their definitions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
to be panned
up-and-coming
to be lauded
to bomb
award
encore
masterpiece
8. to become typecast
9. to be miscast
a. likely to become very famous or successful
b. to be the wrong person for the role
c. prize/honour
d. to be highly praised
e. to be negatively criticized
f. very great work of art
g. to be always associated with that type of
role
h. calls from the audience to repeat it
i. to be a failure
3. Translate the following sentences into Ukrainian:
His latest opera was panned by the critics, which is strange, since all his
previous works have been universally lauded.
The play bombed in London's West End, but was more successful in New
York.
Her latest CD has won three awards.
Anthony O'Donnell won the award for 'Best up-and-coming actor' of 2001.
The critics generally agree that her new symphony is a masterpiece.
Novak was definitely miscast as the father in that film.
She has become typecast as a middle-aged mother.
He was given several encores for his performance of the violin concerto.
She got a standing ovation for her performance of Juliet in Romeo and
Juliet.
82
4. Explain the underlined words. Translate the sentences.
I liked her interpretation of the song 'Yesterday'. I prefer the original
version by the Beatles. He gave an excellent rendition of Hamlet's
speech. The actor's portrayal of the mother in the film was very tender.
5. From memory, give an adjective which is opposite in meaning
to the following words.
1. credible/believable
2. original/novel
3. underrated
4. exaggerated
5. coherent/smooth-flowing
6. Answer these questions.
1. Would you like to go to a play that was universally lauded by all the
critics? Why / Why not?
2. Good performers deserve an encore. True? Would you give one?
3. Would you like to see a film that was panned by the cinema critics? Why
/ Why not?
4. What are the top Hollywood awards for films normally called? What is
their more correct name?
5. Do most actors like to become typecast? Why / Why not?
6. A standing ovation shows that the audience disliked the performance.
True? Why /Why not?
7. Now use other adjectives instead of the underlined words in these
sentences. Make any other changes that are necessary to produce a
correct sentence.
1. The musical shocked some people because they thought it was immoral
and was attacked by several politicians and religious figures.
2. Her performance was one of those you will never forget, simply
marvellous.
3. I can't remember the last time I saw such a film that keeps you in
suspense and totally absorbed all the time.
4. It was a play that aroused very deep emotions in me.
5. It's a film that is difficult to watch without getting very upset.
6. Some of his films are absolutely impossible to understand because they
are so dense and obscure.
83
 8. Read the text and underline the words or phrases that
match the eight definitions. Use a dictionary if necessary.
1. the way an actor creates a picture of a person
2. he/she is the wrong actor for that part
3. a film/book/play that keeps you in suspense
4. keep you in suspense / constantly excited
5. up-and-coming
6. a film which huge numbers of people will go and see
7. a police or crime theme
8. a very great work of art
Cliffhanger not to be missed
In this latest blockbuster cops-and-robbers movie from the Holdart
Studios, budding Hollywood star Florida Packline plays country-boy Ricky
Smart, who gets involved with a gang of criminals intent upon stealing ten
million dollars from a Chicago bank. However, their plans are spoilt by the
discovery of a dead body in the tunnel they are digging through to the bank.
Who is the mystery dead woman? Is she a stranger, or someone from
Ricky's own past? Packline's portrayal of the confused boy from a small
town caught up in big city crime is convincing, but Julia Fischer as his longlost sister is somewhat miscast. Not a masterpiece, but it will certainly keep
you on the edge of your seat.
9. Use the phrases to describe your last visit to the theatre
Exchanging Impressions About the Performance











to discuss the merits and demerits of the play
to be absolutely thrilled with
to be deeply (visibly) moved
to impress
the opening (concluding) scene is wonderful
the performance has aroused much admiration
the final moment of the play was extremely thrilling (dramatic, tragic,
unforgettable, moving)
the leading actor was a great interpretative artist
the company gave a play full of great educational value
to arise a feeling of spiritual enrichment
the performance is a great success
84



the play bored me
the play was a failure
poor acting
 10. Read, translate and learn the dialogues by heart:
a)
- Well, how did you enjoy the play?
- Oh, enormously! I thought the production was really brilliant, and so
was the acting.
- If Mark Dorrel hadn’t been ill, it would have been even better. They say
he’s wonderful in the part of the inspector.
- But his understudy was very good too, particularly in the last act. Of
course the plot was rather absurd …
- It usually happens in detective plays.
- Take the wife, for instance. She didn’t behave like a normal human being
at all. If she had only owned up to her husband, he would have settled
the whole business in no time.
- But she was supposed to be a dumb blonde. And if she hadn’t been,
there wouldn’t have been a plot, would there?
- And you know, there wouldn’t have been a second murder if the
inspector hadn’t told everybody about his plans.
- But then the audience would have had to go home at the end of the first
act.
- Then take the episode with the revolver. If he had had any sense, he
would have told his wife about the gun instead of trying to hide it.
- It’s a pity you didn’t write the play. If you had, you would have made a
much better job of it. The wife would have confessed to her husband, he
would have told the inspector, and there wouldn’t have been any corpses.
A much better play altogether. Not a thriller, of course…
b)
- What films are on this week? Are there any worth seeing?
- “Romeo and Juliet” is on. I saw it at our local cinema the other day.
Everybody says it's very good.
- As a matter of fact, I prefer seeing ballet performed at the theatre
especially if the plot and the music are familiar.
- I don't quite agree with you. Sometimes I find that ballet is much more
expressive on the screen.
- Do you? Then what's your opinion of the screen version of "Romeo
and Juliet"?
85
- I think it's wonderful from beginning to end. I enjoyed every minute of
it. The cast is very well chosen and the dancing's excellent.
- Well, I must go and see it for myself since you praise it so highly.
- You certainly must, I am sure it will make you change your mind about
ballet films.
- We'll see. Well, then I'll be looking forward to having a good talk with
you about it.
 11. Read the text and make up your own review of the ballet or
opera you have seen.
MY FAVOURITE BALLET
"Giselle" is my favourite ballet. It is an old ballet about a peasant girl
who is in love with a nobleman in disguise. She finds out that he is
betrothed to someone else and goes mad with grief and dies. That is Act
One. In Act Two her spirit rises from the grave to join the mysterious Wilis,
the ghosts of girls who died before their wedding days. The Queen of the
Wilis tries to take revenge on the young nobleman and make him dance
with them until he dies; but Giselle manages to save him. That is the story.
The music is old-fashioned, but it was written specially for the ballet and so
it fits perfectly all the scenes and dances. The costumes and scenery are
fairly traditional - the girls wear long beautiful dresses, and the men wear
tights and tunics. It always has a very charming effect - but when two
superb artists dance in it, it is very much more than charming. The modest,
lovely peasant girl lives in a cottage with her mother and picks grapes with
her friends and leads them in dances; the young count runs away from the
oppressive life of the court dressed in simple clothes. He falls in love with
an unspoilt peasant girl although he is betrothed to a princess - they are
both completely real to us. When the princess and her father come to the
village, they recognize the count, and tell Giselle the truth. Giselle goes
mad. There is not a sound in the audience while pitifully she tries to dance
and remembers with horror that Albrecht has deceived her. Every
expression, every movement, every gesture of the ballerina goes straight to
our hearts so that we share with her in every moment of the tragedy. The
performances of the ballet dancers in "Giselle" are superb.
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 Listening
12. Part one
The writer
You will hear an interview with Tim Rice, who wrote the lyrics for
Jesus Christ Superstar. It was first performed in the 1970s, but hasn’t
been performed many times since. Andrew Lloyd Webber composed
the music.
1. Discuss the following before you listen.
a) What are some of the main events in the life of Jesus Christ?
Who were some of the main characters in his life?
b) Why do you think Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber chose to
write a musical about Jesus Christ?
c) Name some famous people that you would call 'superstars'.
Why do you think Rice and Lloyd Webber called Jesus Christ a 'superstar'?
d) Why do you think some people protested about the musical?
2. Listen to the first part. What does Tim Rice say about the
questions in 1 above?
3. Are these sentences true or false? Correct the false ones.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
There haven't been many versions of the story of Jesus.
At first they wanted to write about Judas Iscariot.
They always knew it would be a success.
The record was an immediate success in America.
He saw a baby being christened with the name Jesus Christ Superstar.
13. Part two
The actor
The interviewer next talks to Paul Nicholas, the first actor to play the
part of Jesus Christ Superstar. What problems might he have had with
this role?
87
Listen and answer the questions.
a) Why does he think the show was so successful?
b) Why did he find it a strange part to play?
c) When and why did he cry?
d) How and why did his attitude change after a few weeks in the part?
e) What are the two things that make Paul Nicholas and the interviewer
laugh?
f) What is the interviewer's final question?
What is Paul's answer?
 14. Translate the following into Ukrainian:
"I cannot say that I greatly cared for "The Importance of Being
Earnest". It amused me, of course; but unless comedy touches me as well
as amuses me, it leaves me with a sense of having wasted my evening. I
go to the theatre to be moved to laughter, not to be trickled or bustled into it.
I am in a somewhat foolish position concerning a play at the Opera
Comique, whither I was bidden this day week. For some reason I was not
supplied with a program; so that I never learnt the name of the play. I
believe I recognized some of the members of the company – generally a
very difficult thing to do in a country where, with a few talented exceptions,
every actor is just like every other actor – but they have now faded from my
memory. At the end of the second act the play had advanced about as far
as an ordinary dramatist would have brought it five minutes after the first
rising of the curtain; or, say, as far as Ibsen would have brought it ten years
before that event. Taking advantage of the second interval to stroll out into
the Strand for a little exercise, I unfortunately forgot all about my business,
and actually reached home before it occured to me that I had not seen the
end of the play. Under these circumstances it would ill become me to
dogmatize on the merits of the work or its performance. I can only offer the
management my apologies"
/Bernard Shaw/
 15. Read the play review, translate it into Ukrainian and write a
favourite review for a play you have seen.
FAME FOR ADAM COLEMAN
Why are there so many people queueing daily outside the Prince of
Wales theatre to see a pantomime? The reason is Adam Coleman, one of
88
the most brilliant former students of Castle School of Performing Arts, who
is at the moment the most popular rock star in Britain. His fans usually
queue to listen to him sing in pop concerts, but now they are fighting their
way to find a seat to see him starring in Dick Whittington and His Cat.
Pantomime actors generally provoke a polite enthusiasm from the
public, whereas every time Adam comes into the spotlight, all you hear
is squeals, screams and whistles from the stalls.
Adam, naturally, is the star attraction as Dick Whittington himself and
even his co-star (a pretty girl disguised as a cat) doesn't really get a look
in.
There are excited squeals as Adam appears on stage and the
audience get positively sentimental later on when he sings the love-song All
I ask of you. As soon as the curtain comes down a mysterious voice
booming through the loudspeaker reminds the audience that copies of
Adam's new album are on sale in the foyer, presumably with all the cokes
and ice-creams.
The second act is more or less the same thing — lots of booing and
hissing when the villain appears and enthusiastic loud applause when
Dick rescues his true love from the tentacles of a giant octopus. All in all the
whole show gets an ecstatic response.
After the show is over, Adam is relaxing lazily in his rather untidy
dressing room among piles of fan letters — “They're always writing many
more letters than I could possibly reply to, even if I lived two hundred
years”.
He's changed out of Dick Whittington's tights and boots and he's
wearing something a little more casual — a striped dressing gown.
The panto is the latest step in a career which has taken Adam
Coleman from the stage of the small theatre of Castle School of Performing
Arts through the chorus of the famous musical Oliver! to the top of the hit
parade — in short, one of the most famous rock stars in Britain.
Moreover, the panto isn't the only work he's doing these days. In fact,
early in the morning he and his band are working hard to record the
soundtrack of a film whose title is still a secret. However, what is not a
secret is that the album will certainly be a hit next summer!
16. Write an unfavourable review for a play you didn't like.
89
17. Discussion
Work in groups. Choose the situation you like best.
1. Discuss the difference between a play in the theatre or a novel and their
screen versions. What do you like and what do you dislike about the screen
versions of the book you admire?
2. Imagine that you have seen a very bad production of some play which
you like very much as a work of literature. Write a letter to the stage director
discussing the weak points of the production and asking him to make
changes in the cast, scenery and general design. /The play must be a
famous one, like "Romeo and Juliet" or "Hamlet" or something equally wellknown/.
3. You are taking a friend of yours who is in Kyiv for the first time to the
National Opera and Ballet Theatre. On your way to the theatre you are
telling your friend about the most famous productions and the best singers
and dancers. Use a dialogue form.
18. Translate the following text into Ukrainian:
Theatres in Britain are of two types : subsidized and commercial.
Subsidised theatres are publicly owned and supported from public
funds by a subsidy from the Arts Council and/or the local authority. They
have a permanent company of directors, actors, designers, etc., and each
season stage several productions, which are presented in repertory.
Commercial theatres are those which receive no subsidy and are
therefore run on a commercial basis. This means that they have to cover all
their costs from the sale of tickets, besides which they hope to make a
profit. A commercial theatre is simply a building, with no resident company.
It is privately owned, and run by a manager, who arranges with a director to
stage a particular production.
19. Translate the following words and word-combinations into
English:
Надихати; аудіторія /публіка/; натхнення; драматург; неймовірно
зворушливий; репетиція; генеральна репетиція; тримати глядачів у
напрузі від початку до кінця вистави; каса попереднього продажу
квитків; захоплюючий; справді чудова п’єса; що викликає по черзі то
сміх, то сльози;мати велике виховне значення; акторка, яка виконує
90
головну роль; бути в гарній формі; хвилюючий; чудовий; антракт; мати
великий успіх; виконання; театральні декорації; винахідливість.
20. Complete the sentences:
1. Let’s take the opera-glasses…
2. I enjoyed the play greatly because …
3. The best seats are …
4. I’ll try to get tickets …
5. Let’s buy a programme …
6. The public admires …
7. It is not easy to get tickets for this play as …
8. I’d have enjoyed the play much more if …
9. The bell is ringing, let’s …
10. Let’s ask the usher …
11. The performance was a failure because …
21. Translate into English:
1. В оперному театрі завтра прем’єра нової опери. Говорять, що вона
повинна стати великою подією в житті нашого міста. Давай спробуємо
дістати квитки біля входу.
2. Вчора ми дивились нову виставу в Театрі комедії. Вистава пройшла
з великим успіхом. Головні ролі виконали молоді талановиті актори.
Успіху вистави сприяли чудові декорації.
3. Дзвенить другий дзвінок. Йдемо до залу. Де наші місця? В
дванадцятому ряду партеру. Я сподіваюсь, нам добре буде видно
сцену.
4. Ви бачили нову виставу в театрі комедії? – Так. – Ну і як? – Я мало
не вмерла від сміху. По-перше, вистава була за одноіменною п’єсою
чудового письменника-драматурга, інтрига була добре продумана, та й
склад акторів виявився на висоті.
5. Давай купимо програмку. Цікаво, хто сьогодні грає у виставі?
Хотілось би, щоби був перший склад акторів.
6. Як тобі сподобалась вистава ? – Склад виконавців був чудовий.
Акторка, яка грала головну жіночу роль, Була особливою.
7. Я б дуже хотіла подивитись нову виставу в драмтеатрі. – Говорять,
що на неї важко придбати квитки. – А що, якщо ми спробуємо замовити
їх заздалегідь по телефону? – Хороша думка.
91
 22.
Fill in the missed words:
1. A theatre is a building where ______________________ are performed.
2. It has _________________ and __________________ for the audience.
3. The stage is raised several feet __________________of the auditorium.
4. At the sides of the stage are __________________________________.
5. _______________separates the stage from the __________________.
6. The curtain is dropped or lowered between ________or ______of a play.
7. Above the ground floor there are generally several ___________ with
even steeper slopes of _________________________________________.
8. Seats in the first rows of the stalls are called ______________________.
9. Seats behind the stalls are known as ___________________________.
10. Next comes ___________, i.e. rows of seats higher up above the
stalls and further back in the theatre.
11. Above_____________, a little higher up, there is ____________or
_________, as it is often called.
23. Translate the following words and expressions into English:
партер
бельетаж
гальорка
амфітеатр
соліст
трупа
декорація
вечірня
вистава
купити квиток
в театральній касі
виконавці ролей
головна роль
художник-декоратор
суфлер
куліси
генеральна репетиція
гра
трупа, яка гастролює
на репетиції
другорядні дійові особи
виходити на оплески
гардероб
рампа
прем'єра
 24. Translate the following into English:
- Моя люба, як усе-таки душа відпочиває в театрі. Диригент махнув
паличкою – і кудись далеко відступили щоденні клопоти.
- Милий, я вдячна тобі, що ти запропонував мені піти до театру.
Гарно! Лунають звуки музики, і тобі здається, що ти пливеш на її
хвилях у чарівний світ, де нема ні каструль, ні дріб‘язкових сварок,
тільки панує злагода, гармонія, доброта.
- Нам треба буде обов‘язково піти на "Різдвяну ніч", "Тараса Бульбу" й
"Наталку Полтавку" М.Лисенка. Ми ж, на наш сором, нічого з
української опери, крім "Запорожця за Дунаєм" П.Гулака92
Артемовського та "Лісової пісні" – ой, забув, хто автор музики, - не
слухали. Ніби її й нема.
- І в театрі драми хотілося б частіше бувати. Давно ми не були й у
театрі оперетти. Тільки квитки бери не в партер, а на балкон, у
першому ряду. Дешевше коштуватиме. Дивитися ж і слухати однаково.
- Дзвінок. Антракт закінчився. Скоро підніметься завіса. Остання дія.
- Як тільки скінчиться вистава, ти швидше пробирайся до виходу,
займай чергу в гардероб. І не забудь наші парасольки забрати. Я
чекатиму на тебе у фойє.
 25. Discussion.
"Theatre and Its Place in Modern Life".
What do you think is the place of theatre in modern life?
Is it losing its significance in the social life of people?
26. a/ Put one suitable word into each gap. Use the following
words.
b/ Retell the text.
impact
perform
announced
appearance
obliged
afterwards
gather
place
turmoil
accompanied
glare
key
gather
home
poured
I remembered standing in the wings when Mother's voice cracked and
went into a whisper .The audience began to laugh and sing falsetto and to
make catcalls. It was all vague and I did not quite understand what was
going on. But the noise increased until Mother was /a/ _________ to walk
off the stage. When she came into the wings she was very upset and
argued with the stage manager who, having seen me /b/ _________ before.
Mother's friends, said something about letting me go on in her/c/ ____.
And in the /d/ __________ I remember him leading me by the hand
and, after a few explanatory words to the audience, leaving me on the stage
alone. And before a /e/ _________ of footlights and faces and smoke, I
started to sing, /f/ __________ by the orchestra, which fiddled about until it
found my /g/_________. It was a well-known song called "Jack Jones".
93
Half-way through, a shower of money /h/_________on to the stage.
Immediately I stopped and /i/ _________ that I would pick up the money
first and sing /j/_________. This caused much laughter. The stage manager
came on with a handkerchief and helped me to /k/ _________ it up. I
thought he was going to keep it. This thought was conveyed to the
audience and increased their laughter especially when he walked off with it
with me /l/ _________ following him. Not until he handed it to Mother did I
return and continue to sing. I was quite at /m/ _________. I talked to the
audience, danced and did several imitations including one of Mother singing
her Irish march song.
And in repeating the chorus, in all innocence I imitated Mother's voice,
cracking and was surprised at the /n/ ________ it had on the audience.
There was laughter and cheers, then more money-throwing; and when
Mother came on the stage to carry me off, her presence evoked
tremendous applause. That night was my first /o/ ________ on the stage
and Mother's last.
/from Charlie Chaplin's autobiography/
 27. Correct the mistakes:
Lorna Steel possibly is the most talented actress the world has ever seen.
Her excited career covers sixty years. She usually made at least five films
the year. She will probably be remembered like the most popular actress of
our time. Deeply the film industry was shocked by the time she announced
her retirement last year. She had been going to the studios by a huge black
luxurious limousine every day in the past 40 years. No one quite could
believe her presence would any longer brighten up our cinema screens.
She now is retired and lives in an extremely large beach house near the
Mexican border. Those days she makes very rarely any public
appearances. She is beautiful still, but now prefers to devote her valuable
time in looking through old, stray dogs.
 28. Read the dialogues, translate them into English:
a)
- Вітаю Вас, радий бачити!
- Я теж вітаю Вас, сьогодні справжнє театральне свято!
- Так, дуже багато прихильників раді підтримати митців оперного співу.
- Справді, "Запорожець за Дунаєм" привертає увагу не тюльки
любителів національної опери.
- І це не дивно, адже П.Гулак-Артемовський написав унікальну річ.
- Багатьом подобається ще й те, що це комічна опера.
94
Усі знають зміст опери, їм близький і зрозумілий вільнолюбивий дух
козацтва, що перебувало в турецькій неволі.
- Звідси й популярність цього музичного твору, і його безсмертя.
- Я з насолодою буду слухати мелодійні арії Андрія й Оксани.
- А мені подобається дует Карася й Одарки.
- О, це класичний дует! Скільки в ньому сили й правди сімейних
стосунків! Я вже не кажу про комічність ситуації.
- Не випадково цей дует і досі лунає в концертах.
- Поспішаймо, бо вже перший дзвінок.
- До зустрічі в антракті.
- До зустрічі.
b)
- Я чомусь хвилююся, Миколо.
- Чому?
- Бо вперше переступаю поріг всесвітньовідомого Львівського театру
опери та балету імені Івана Франка.
- Я часто буваю тут, але завжди хвилююся.
- За архітектурою таких театрів небагато.
- Так, наш театр оригінальний. Ось сьогодні ми подивимося з тобою
балет "Створення світу".
- Хто написав музику?
- А.Петров, а лібрето Н.Касаткіна та В.Васильєв.
- А який твір покладено в його основу?
- Малюнки Жана Еффеля.
- Скільки дій має балет?
- Дві. Це – казка.
- Ми побачимо картину створення світу?
- Ні, тут ми повинні зрозуміти, що світ – це витвір рук людини, її розуму.
І лише від людей залежить, що буде панувати на землі: чи зло, чи
добро й щастя.
- Це й минуле, і наше майбутнє, і сучасність, бо мир на землі
завжди хвилював і хвилює людей.
- До зустрічі! Побачимося на виставі.
c)
- Ви вперше на виставі в нашому театрі?
- Так, але я давно мріяв відвідати Одеський театр. Я багато читав про
дивовижну історію театру, а тепер пересвідчився, що це унікальна
споруда за архітектурним оздобленням.
- Ми пишаємося своїм театром.
95
- Сьогодні "Травіата"Джузеппе Верді. Я слухав цю оперу в інших
театрах, але сьогодні побуваю на виставі.
- У нас є талановиті співаки, лауреати міжнародних конкурсів,
заслужені артисти України.
- Бачу, бачу, що склад акторів хороший. Вистава буде чудова!
29. Use the word in capitals at the end of each line to form a word
that fits in the space in the same line.
The School Play
Congratulations to all involved with the school
(1)______of The Woman Next Door. The (2)_______was
carried out by the Art Department, and the posters were
very (3)____________.We certainly have some very (4)
___________students in our school! Many people helped
with building and painting the (5)_______ and the play
was written by the English Department, who managed to
create an (6)________
story, with excellent songs.
The music was written by Sue Porter, who also
(7)________the singers on the piano. Everyone enjoyed
a thoroughly (8)______ evening, and there was a long
round of (9)_________at the end.
Jim Barrett gave a brilliant (10)_______as Sergeant
Moss, and Liz Aitken was a delightful Mrs Jump. Well
done everyone!
PRODUCE
ADVERTISE
IMAGINE
ART
SCENE
AMUSE
COMPANY
ENTERTAIN
APPLAUD
PERFORM
  30. Read this text and decide which of the four alternatives
best fits each gap.
King Lear
------------ Adrian Noble's modern production of William Shakespeare's
'King Lear' opened last week at the Barbican Theatre in London to
enthusiastic (1)…………. .
Robert Stephens, heading an impressive supporting cast, gives a
moving and powerful (2) …………. as Lear, and David Bradley, who
(3)…………… the Earl of Gloucester, is so convincing in the (4)……….that
several members of the (5)…………… who were sitting in the front
(6)………… are reported to have fainted during one particularly realistic
(7)…………… .
(8)…………. its length - the play runs for three and three quarter
hours with two half-hour (9) …………. - Noble's production is anything but
96
tedious. 'King Lear' will run at the Barbican until March and (10) ...................
booking is recommended.
1 A reports
2 A act
3 A represents
4 A character
5 A audience
6 A files
7 A scene
8 A However
9 A gaps
10 A ahead
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
statements
demonstration
plays
representation
observers
lines
episode
Although
intervals
previous
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
reviews
show
interprets
part
spectators
chairs
section
Despite
pauses
forward
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
commentaries
performance
acts
impersonation
crowd
rows
place
While
rests
advance
The Ukrainian Theatre. My Favourite Playwright/
Theatre Actor/Actress
 Speaking
Choose one of the prominent Ukrainian theatre actors (actresses,
playwrights).
Speak about his/her career. Why do you like him/her? Discuss the
necessary professional traits the real actor has to possess.
 1. Reading.
Read the article about one of the best-known Ukrainian
playwrights Sergey Danchenko. Make sure you study the language of
the text to be competent in further exercises and discussions.
SERGEY DANCHENKO
"THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF HUMAN LIFE IS SPIRITUAL
PERFECTION. AS LONG AS IT IS NOT TAKING PLACE, WE
CAN SAY THAT HUMANKIND HAS LOST THE GAME."
Serhy Danchenko, "Conversations on Theater"
Ukrainian theater has lost one of its best-known personalities with the
passing of Serhy Danchenko, professor, actor and artistic director of Kyiv's
Ivan Franko Theater.
Danchenko died on Aug. 20 at the age of 64. In his memory, the Ivan
Franko Theater will stage a week- long retrospective of his work, Oct. 512.
97
Artistic director at Ivan Franko for more than 20 years, Danchenko
had a tremendous influence on theater both at home and across the
former Eastern Bloc. He discovered and nurtured what would become
the cream of modern-day Ukrainian theater -names like Bohdan Stupka,
Anatoly Khostikoyev and Andry Zholdak, to name just a few.
Danchenko had theater in his blood. His grandfather was a theater
director and his parents were actors. Danchenko followed in their footsteps, entering the theater in western Ukraine and rising to the position of
theater director himself at the Zankovetska Theater in Lviv in 1965. It was
an exciting time. The 1950s witnessed the return to Lviv of a wave of
Ukrainian intellectuals exiled to Siberia by the Soviet authorities.
Danchenko was influenced by Lviv's cosmopolitan atmosphere and
became a member of a dissident group now known as the "'60s
Generation."
The Zankovetska Theater became a cultural center, where actors
interacted with composers, artists and playwrights. Through the
Zankovetska, Danchenko helped preserve the integrity of Ukrainian
theater, which, like most aspects of Ukrainian culture, had been largely
forced underground by the Soviets. His first plays became landmarks of
Ukrainian culture. His "Stone Master" reflected on freedom, his "Richard
III" on the psychology of totalitarianism.
n 1978, Danchenko became artistic director of the Ivan Franko Theater. In the face of opposition from the establishment, he made vast
inroads on making all of Ukrainian theater more European. He raised
artistic standards and refused to shy away from philosophical themes
like the meaning of human existence.
"For me, the goal of life is to bring spiritual dimension to people's
lives, and to turn them on the way to perfection," Danchenko once said. He
remained loyal to that creed. In his interpretation of Shakespeare's "King
Lear," the play becomes a metaphor for time and the destiny of man,
reflecting Danchenko's own conviction that the future of humanity was in
doubt. Only in madness, he says, can man see the truth - as is the case
when the king and his jester swap roles.
Danchenko's choice of authors and plays, however, was never
influenced by short-lived trends. He preferred classics to modern
authors, never worrying about national borders and creating a theater that
was universal rather than provincial. He gave the more than two dozen
plays he produced - including Chekhov's "Uncle Vanya," Lesya Ukrainka's
"Stone Master," Jean Anouilh's "Thieves' Ball" and Ivan Kotlyarevsky's "The
Aeneid" - an added dimension that made them classics of Ukrainian theater.
98
Danchenko is succeeded at the Ivan Franko Theater by Stupka,
until recently Ukraine's culture minister and widely considered Ukraine's
best actor. Stupka started out as a student of Danchenko, 34 years ago in
Lviv, and worked closely with Danchenko until his dying days.
Kicking off Ivan Franko's new season at an Oct. 2 press conference, Stupka
noted that Danchenko's plays were not always appreciated by critics.
But, he said, "We will very soon feel what Danchenko's death means for
Ukrainian theater - not only actors and his theatre, but also the public."
In Danchenko's memory, Stupka will see through Danchenko's
planned production of Ibsen's "Pere Gynt." He also plans on opening a
small experimental theater - Danchenko's dream for many years - by the
end of the year adjacent to the Ivan Franko Theater. Naturally, it will be
named after Serhy Danchenko.
2. Language focus
Explain the meanings of the following word combinations in
English and use them in the situations of your own.
1.
the ultimate goal
2.
spiritual perfection
3.
to nurture what would become the cream of modern-day Ukrainian
theater
4.
to have theatre in one’s blood
5.
to follow in one’s foot-steps
6.
to preserve the integrity of Ukrainian theater
7.
to become landmarks of Ukrainian culture
8.
to raise artistic standards
9.
to shy away from philosophical themes
10. to bring spiritual dimension to people's lives
11. to remain loyal to that creed
12. to reflect one’s own conviction
13. to swap roles
14. to be never influenced by short-lived trends
15. to add dimension
16. to be succeeded at the theater by smb
17. to be not always appreciated by critics
18. adjacent to
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 3. Translate the following words and word-combinations into
English:
Стати віхами української культури; в супереч опозиції; робити
замах; обмінятися ролями; зміст буття; бути примушеним піти у
підпілля; художній керівник; огляд; виношувати(план), виховувати,
навчати; мати театр у крові ;бути свідком; допомогти зберегти
цілісність; засилати; взаємодіяти ;мати величезний вплив на театр;
бути під впливом недовговічних течій або напрямків ;стати
наступником; починати ;суміжний; бути оціненим критиками; блазень;
відображати чиєсь переконання; стати віхами української культури;
направити на шлях вдосконалення ; принести важливість духовного в
людське життя ;уникати філософських тем.
 4. Translate into English:
1. Народ, у якого любов до театру була національною ознакою, довгі
століття не міг його мати.
2. Думку щодо театральності українців можна підтвердити вже тим, що
навіть свій побут, родинні свята й хліборобські процеси вони
супроводжували мистецькою грою, піснями й танцями. І ніяке
рабство – фізичне чи духовне – не задушило в нашому народові
животрепетної любові до прекрасного.
3. Створення українського професійного театру – явище мистецьке й
загальнонаціональне.
4. Пауза в розвитку українського театру після Котляревського була
досить тривалою.
5. Аматорський рух став основою для створення в Україні
професійного театру. А з появою на мистецькому обрії Марка
Кропивницького – прекрасного актора та обдарованого режисера, з
приходом у театр братів Тобілевичів, Марії Заньковецької,
Олександри Віриної та багатьох інших чудових акторів почалася
золота сторінка української культури, яка й нині сповнює нас
гордістю.
100
5. Read the text and fill in the missed prepositions:
Kyiv is the city …. a rich cultural heritage. Speaking
… theaters one must say that there are eight big state
theaters - National Opera, Ivan Franko National Drama
Theater, Lesya Ukrainka Russian Drama, Operetta
Theater, Drama and Comedy Theater … the Left Bank,
two puppet theaters: State Puppet Theater and City Puppet Theater and
Young Theater. Besides big theaters which try to keep leading positions …
the city theater life, there are many small theaters, theaters-studios,
experimental theaters. They are more flexible to the changing cultural life.
The brightest … those are Theater-modern "Suzirya", Theater-on-Podіl,
plastic clown groups "Zhart", "Mimikrichi" , Theaters "Chears!", CafeTheater "The Wheel", “Bravo” , etc.
Particularly the Theater-modern "Suzirya"is unique … the sense …
its style because it does not employ actors, this is the theater …
angagement.Actor has the best chance to fulfill his talents, while … the big
theater it is necessary to satisfy the wide circle … the spectators.
One cannot imagine the theater life … the European capital … the
outstanding personalities People's Actors … Ukraine - Larisa Kadyrova,
Bogdan Stupka, Ada Rogovtseva, Anatoliy Hostikoev, Maria Stefyuk,
Anatoliy Kocherga. They make up the unforgettables images which make
the specatator feel the atmosphere … the ancient Greek civilization or
immerse themselves … the sphere … the French palace life and intrigue,
remind the interesting and tragic history … the Ukrainian people. Such
directors as Volodymyr Danchenko every play of whom units emotional
influence … the spectators, detail analysis … human psychology and
artists such as Danilo Liber ("Macbeth, "King Lire" …
W. Shakespeare) who … the means … reflection … the period's
beauty creates the field … actor's performance are the brightest stars …
our theater life.
 6. Translate into English using the words given below:
З історії українського театру
Микола Старицький, видатний український актор, режисер та
театральний діяч, багато років жив і працював в Києві. Починаючи з
1893 року, він щорічно виступав на київських сценах у складі
гастролюючої трупи разом із талановитою актрисою Марією
Заньковецькою.
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Саме в Києві, в Троїцькому Народному Домі пройшли вистави
первого українського постійного театру. Театр було засновано в 1906
році в Полтаві. Одним з його засновників був Микола Старицький.
Спочатку трупа була пересувною, так як не мала свого приміщення.
Вистави театру тепло сприймалися всіма прошарками українського
народу, зокрема інтелігенцією.
Микола Старицький створив багато неповторних образів у
виставах за творами таких видатних українських письменників та
драматургів як Карпенко-Карий, Леся Українка, Старицький, Гоголь та
інші. Він же здійснював і постановчі роботи в театрі.
Основу репертуару театру складала українська класика, але
здійснювались також постановки п’єс російських та зарубіжних авторів.
Багато уваги приділялось театральним реквізітам. Гарно
оздоблені декорації допомагали краще сприйняти історичний зміст та
фольклорне забарвлення. Ескізи костюмів для акторів створювалися
відомими художниками.
Неабияке значення приділялось і музичному супроводу. Про це
свідчить те, що музику для вистав писали такі композитори як
М.Лисенко та К.Стеценко. Цікаво, що навіть капельдинери були
вдягнуті в українські національні костюми аби створити неповторний
український колорит.
An outstanding theatre worker; a touring company; scenery; a
repertory theatre; to be received by the public; to give an excellent
reception; stage-version; repertoire; to write music for classics; historical
background; settings /properties/; sketches of costumes; box-keeper /usher/
- капельдинер; unique colouring.

7. Translate into English:
а/ Нещодавно на сцені Національної опери України
кияни мали нагоду бачити нову виставу-балет "Пер
Гюнт" на музику Е.Гріга за мотивами однойменної
драми Г.Ібсена. Спектакль було створено в рамках
міжнародного
театрального
проекту
"УкраїнаНорвегія" силами балетної трупи Донецького театру опери та балету.
Постановником
і
балетмейстером
великого
двоактного
хореографічного твору, а також виконавцем головної партії виступив
відомий український танцівник Вадим Писарєв. Київська прем'єра –
спільна творча акція донецького театру та оркестру Національної
опери України.
102
б/ Знову на сцену Національної опери України повернувся
величний твір Джузеппе Верді "Аїда". У головній партії віступають
народна артистка України Світлана Добронравова та молода співачка
Олена Клейн. Прем'єра опери пройшла блискуче. Шанувальники
вокально-сценічного мистецтва відзначали чудове звучання оркестру,
тонку майстерність хору і наших оперних зірок.
 8.
You are taking a foreign friend to an opera /ballet/ and telling
him/her the libretto.
You have a sample. Summarize the contents in English:
ЛЕБЕДИНЕ ОЗЕРО
Дія перша
Друзі чекають Зігфріда, щоб разом відсвяткувати його повноліття.
Ось і він у супроводі свого наставника. Привітати сина поспішають
Володарна принцеса і один з повноважних рицарів, який має посвятити
Зігфріда в свій орден. Рицар сповіщає про цю радісну подію в житті
принца, а мати дарує синові арбалет. Замріяний юнак йде до
таємничного озера. Побачивши лебедів, він готовий стріляти в них. Але
лебеді зникають. Руїни старовинного замку осяває мінливе світло.
Лебеді, перетворившись на чарівних дівчат, оточують юного принца.
Зігфрід вражений красою їхньої королеви. Йому розповідають їсторію
про злого генія Ротбарда, який зачарував цих дівчат. Страшні чари
може розвіяти тільки справжнє кохання. Зігфрід клянеться Одетті в
своїх вічних почуттях. Світає. Одетта прощається із Зігфрідом.
Дія друга.
Бал у замку. Одна за однією проходять перед Зігфрідом та його
матір‘ю дівчата-наречені. Але жодна з них не хвилює його серця, усі
думки прица линуть до зачарованої дівчини. У залі з‘являється рицар
Ротбард. Це злий геній, який лише прийняв образ рицаря. З ним його
дочка Оділія. Зігфрід розгубився. Адже Оділія дуже схожа на Одетту.
Оділія всміхається Зігфріду, сумніви його зникають. Вибір зроблено.
Тепер вона – наречена принца. Щасливий юнак сповіщає матері, що
хоче одружития. Ротбард з‘єднує руки Оділії та Зігфріда. Але коли
принц клянеться в коханні, він помічає, що у вікні б‘ється лебідь.
Зрозумівши, що його обмануто, Зігфрід у відчаї вибігає з залу.
103
Дія третя.
Знову берег озера. Дівчата з тривогою чакають повернення своєї
подруги, від якої залежить і їхнє життя. Одетта схвильовано розповідає
про зраду Зігфріда. Жах охоплює дівчат – вони лишаються під владою
злих чар. З‘являється Зігфрід. Він благає Одетту вибачити зраду.
Закохана дівчина вірить кожному його слову, але її ніщо не може
врятувати, вона повинна загинути. Зігфрід не може розлучитися з
Одетою. Заради кохання він готовий віддати життя. Ненавидячи
найсильніше з людських почуттів – любов, злий геній намагається
нажахати Зігфріда бурею. Злі пориву вітру летять на Зігфріда й Одетту,
блискавки одна за одною прорізують небо, але всі зусилля Ротбарда
марні.
9.
Put the verbs in brackets into the correct tense-forms.
Translate the text into Ukrainian:
THE SOLOVTSOV THEATRE: STORIES AND LEGENDS
The Ivan Franko National Drama Theatre (to be) currently among
Ukraine's most popular companies. It (to perform) in the same building on
Ivan Franko Square in Kyiv for over seventy years. In 1998, the company (to
mark) the centennial of its legendary predecessor, the Solovtsov Theatre.
Nikolai Fedorov, a Russian squire from the gubernia of Oryol, (to
choose) an actor's career as a young man and the stage name of Solovtsov.
He (to be endowed) with a powerful stature, handsome face, sonorous voice
and considerable dramatic talent. After playing countless simpletons and
bon amis, he (to be) soon considered one Russia's dramatic stars.
Solovtsov (to be) also the head of a Society of Dramatic Actors in Moscow.
At this time most drama companies (to operate) as private theatrical
concerns. In other words, each company, headed by a managerenterpreneur (to stay) in a city for as long as the box-office (to be) good and
(to move) on. Some of the groups could hardly last to the end of the season.
In contrast Solovtsov's Society (to produce) a steady good box- office
year in and year out and Kyiv (to offer) probably the most appreciative
audience (there (to be) no permanent companies so local theatre-goers had
to make do with touring performers). He (to consider) the situation: a city
with age-old cultural traditions obviously (to need) a theatre of its own. In
1871, the Society of Dramatic Actors (to move) to Kyiv, renting what (to be
known) then as the Bergonier Theatre at the crossing of Pushkinska St. and
Fundukleyevska St. (where Lesia Ukrainka Russian Drama Theatre now (to
occupy) a renovated building. The grateful public (to make) the company
104
welcome and Nikolai Solovtsov (to be) now an actor, stage director and
impresario.
10. Discussion
1. You are buying tickets at the theatre agency for yourself and your friend
who has come on a visit. Ask the assistant about the productions worth
seeing in all the theatres of your city.
2. You are a journalist. Have an interview with the most popular
actor/actress of the season.
! Memory work
11. Read and learn the idioms. Find their Ukrainian equivalents.
an act of God – an event caused by natural forces which people cannot
control or prevent, for example a hurricane, earthquake, etc: The insurance
policy covers your house against all types of damage, excluding those
caused by acts of God.
a balancing/ juggling act – a process in which sb tries to please two or
more people or groups who want different things: The UN must perform a
delicate balancing act between the different sides involved in the conflict.
be/get in on the act (informal) –be/become involved in a particular activity
only after it has become successful: Sales of “ green” products have
increased dramatically and now a lot of manufactures are trying to get in on
the act.
do/ perform/ stage a disappearing/vanishing act (informal) – go away or
be impossible to find when people need or want you: Ian always does a
disappearing act when it’s time to wash the dishes.
get your act together; get sth/it together (informal) –manage organize or
control sth ( better than you have done previously): If Sally got her act
together she’d be a great musician.
He’s been trying to get his life together.
a hard/ tough act to follow – a person or a group that is so good or
successful at sth that it will be difficult for anyone else who comes after them
to be as good or successful:
The last head teacher achieved a lot – she’ll be a hard act to follow.
act/be your age (informal) – (often used as a command) stop behaving in a
childish way :
Paul, act your age or I won’t take you to the cinema again!
105
act/ play the fool – behave in a stupid way to make people laugh,
especially in a way that may also annoy them: It’s impossible to have a
decent game of tennis with Frank – he acts the fool the whole time.
act/play the goat (informal) –deliberately behave in a silly or foolish
way :Stop acting the goat or I’ll send you out! I’m warning you.
act/ behave as if you own the place (also think you own the place)
(disapproving) – behave in a very confident way that annoys other people,
for example by telling them what to do:
What does she think she’s doing, coming in here acting as if she owns the
place!
catch sb in the act (of doing sth) – find sb while they are doing sth they
should not be doing:
She turned round to catch him in the act of trying to run upstairs.
clean up your act (informal) – start behaving in a moral or responsible way:
He cleaned up his act and gave up the cigarettes and alcohol.
a piece/ slice of the action ( informal) – a share or role in an interesting or
exciting activity, especially in order to make money: Foreign firms will all
want a piece of the action if the new airport goes ahead.
act as someone – to perform in the capacity of someone, temporarily or
permanently:
This is Mr. Brown. He’ll act as manager from now on.
I’ll act as your supervisor until Mrs. Smith returns from vacation.
act high and mighty (informal) – to act proud and powerful:
Why does the doctor always have to act so high and mighty?
act up – to misbehave; to run or act badly:
My car is acting up. I could hardly get it started this morning.
act sth out AND act out sth – to perform an imaginary event as if one were
in a play:
The psychiatrist asked Bill to act out the way he felt about getting fired.
Actions speak louder than words – a proverb meaning that it is better to
do sth about a problem than just talk about it: Mary kept promising to get a
job. John finally looked her in the eye and said, “Actions speak louder than
words!”
bring/call/put sth into play - make sth begin to work or operate; involve
sth in sth:
The exercise brings many skills into play. This latest decision calls many
new factors into play.
come into play -(begin to) operate or be active; have an effect or influence:
It's time for the first part of our plan to come into play. A lot of different
factors came into play in making this decision.
106
have (got) money, time, etc. to play with (informal) -have plenty of
money, time, etc. for doing sth: We need to make a decision now, as we
haven't got much time to play with.
in/out off play - (of the ball) in/out of a position where it can be played
according to the rules of the game: The defender kicked the ball out of play.
The ball's in play, so play on.
make great, much, etc. play of/with sth - put a lot of emphasis on sth;
behave as if sth is very important: The English love of gardening is something he makes great play of in his latest book.
He always makes great play of the fact that he went to a famous school.
make a play for sb/sth (especially AmE) - make a well-planned attempt to
get sth you want:
He was making a play for a top government position. If you want to make a
play for her, send her flowers.
play your ace - use your best argument, etc. in order to get an advantage
in a situation:
I think it's time we played our ace, which is the fact that without us they
wouldn't be able to run this place.
play ball (with sb) (informal) - be willing to work with other people in a
helpful way, especially so that sb can get what they want: We need their
help, but will they play ball? So he won't play ball, eh? He'll soon realize he
can't manage without us.
play (sth) by ear
1 play (music) which you have heard or remembered but which you have
not seen written down:
She can't read music very well, so she plays all the tunes by ear.
2 (also play it by ear) (informal) - decide how to act in a situation as it
happens or develops, rather than by planning in advance: You can't really
prepare for the questions the interviewer will ask— you'll just have to play it
by ear, I'm afraid.
play by sb's (own) rules - if sb plays by their own rules or makes other
people play by their rules, they set the conditions for doing business or
having a relationship: If we want to win this contract, we're going to have to
play by their rules for a while.
play by the rules - deal fairly and honestly with people:
You know how we conduct business here, and I expect you all to play by the
rules in future.
play your cards right (informal) - deal successfully with a particular
situation so that you achieve some advantage or sth that you want: If you
play your cards right you couId get promotion in a year or two.
107
play Cupid -try to start a romantic relationship between two people:
Martha was busy playing Cupid as usual, trying to get me to go out with her
cousin Terry.
play fair/ straight (with sb)- act honestly and fairly: don't think it's playing
fair to blame her for other people's mistakes.
play fast and loose (with sb/sth) (old-fashioned) - treat sb/sth in a way
that shows that you feel no responsibility or respect for them: If he plays fast
and loose with my daughter's feelings, I'll make sure he regrets it.
play the field (informal)- have romantic or sexual relationships with a lot of
different people: He told me he didn't want to get married yet because he
was having too much fun playing the field.
play footsie (with sb) - touch sb's feet lightly with your own feet, especially
under a table, as an expression of affection or sexual interest: They were
very embarrassed when her mother caught them playing footsie under the
dinner table
play for time -try to delay sth or prevent sth from happening now because
you think there will be an advantage to you if you act later: If I can play for
time a bit longer, they might lower their price
play the game - behave in a fair and honest way: That's the third time this
week you've left me to finish all your work You're not playing the game, Luke
play sb's game; play the same game (as sb) (also play sb at their own
game)- use the same methods as a competitor, opponent, enemy, etc:
Safeway started cutting their food prices, so Asda decided to play them at
their own game by cutting prices even more
play (silly) games (with sb) - not treat a situation seriously, especially in
order to cheat or deceive sb:Don't play silly games with me, I know you did it
play God - behave as if you control events or other people's lives
It is unfair to ask doctors to play God and end someone's life
play gooseberry (BrE) - be a third person with two people who have a
romantic relationship and want to be alone together: Dave and Michelle
invited me to go out with them but I don't want to play gooseberry all
evening
play hard to get (informal) pretend not to be interested in sb/sth in order to
increase sb's interest in or desire for you: She's playing hard to get, but I'm
sure she really wants to go out with me . My advice is, play hard to get for a
while and they might offer you more money
play (merry) hell with sb/sth (BrE, informal) disturb, upset or trouble
sb/sth very much
These storms play merry hell with our TV reception
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play (right) into sb's hands - do exactly what an enemy, opponent, etc
wants so that they gain the advantage in a particular situation : The thieves
played right into the hands of the law by trying to sell stolen property to a
police informer
play it cool (informal)- not appear excited, worried, angry, etc If you play it
cool and don't seem too interested, he might lower the price . He was
shouting at me, but I played it cool—I didn't want him to see how angry I
was
play it straight (also play a straight bat) be honest and not try to deceive
sb 'Do you think we should try and hide this from the newspapers?' 'No, play
it straight; I'm sure the public will see our point of view.'
play the market - buy and sell stocks and shares in order to make a profit:
He's been playing the market for 30 years, but is quick to warn people of the
risks involved.
a play on words - a clever or amusing use of a word that has more than
one meaning, or of words that have different meanings but sound similar/the
same: When Elvis Presley had his hair cut off in the army he said, 'Hair
today and gone tomorrow'. It was a play on words—the usual expression is
'here today and gone tomorrow.'
play a/your part (in sth) be involved in sth; be a reason for sth happening:
You too can play a part in helping your community. Arguments within the
party played a part in the downfall of the government.
play possum (informal) pretend to be asleep or not aware of sth, in order to
deceive sb: Jake decided that his best course of action would be to play
possum and wait for her to give up.
play (it) safe - avoid danger; act safely, even if another course of action
would be quicker, more successful, etc: know all these locks seem
unnecessary but I believe it's always better to play safe.
play second fiddle - have a lower or less important position than another
person: She wants to be the boss, not play second fiddle to somebody else
play silly buggers (with sth) (BrE, informal) behave in a stupid and
annoying way:
Stop playing silly buggers and answer the question
play to the gallery - behave in an exaggerated way to attract ordinary
people's attention: The most popular and successful politicians in our history
have always known how to play to the gallery.
play truant (BrE) (AmE play hookey/ hooky informal) (old-fashioned) stay away from school without permission: Is she off school because she's
ill, or is she playing truant?
play with fire -take unnecessary and dangerous risks: Be very careful,
Mike. You're playing with fire. If you ask me she's playing with fire, getting
involved with a married man.
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 12. Read the text. Write a summary of it.
Break a Leg (and Other Theatre Superstitions)
The average person might be somewhat superstitious with
some things, but thespians are known for their superstitious
nature. Probably the most well known superstition involves
William Shakespeare's Macbeth, which is often called "the
Scottish play" by actors. The superstition says that any
group putting on this play will suffer bad luck, ranging from
minor mishaps to major catastrophes! Not just performing
the play is bad luck, though - if anyone mentions Macbeth
in a theatre or recites quotes from the play, BEWARE!
In addition to this most famous superstition, hundreds of
other theatre superstitions and rituals exist. Take a look at this list of
superstitions - some normal, others crazy.
Do not wish another actor good luck - instead say "break a leg." This
comes from "bending a knee" (for taking a bow).
It is bad luck for an actor to receive flowers before the play begins,
though flowers given after the play has ended is considered good luck.
Only fake flowers will be used on stage. Real flowers must be replaced
too often because they can't get enough light, plus some actors may be
allergic to them.
It is unlucky for an actor to knit while on the side of the stage. This is
because knitting needles are pointy and can rip expensive costumes, or the
needle may fall on the floor and cause someone to fall onstage.
It is unlucky to use real mirrors or real jewelry onstage. Why? Because
both items can cause problems with the onstage lighting, so fake mirrors
and jewelry should be used.
Before an actor takes the stage for the first time, it is good luck for
him/her to be pinched for luck. This comes from the old wives' tale that
pinching is good luck.
It is considered bad luck to speak the last line of the play anytime before
opening night. This is because a production is never complete until it's
performed for an audience, so the completing line of the play shouldn't be
spoken before an audience sees the play.
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If an actress trips on the hem of her dress, she should pick it up and kiss
the hem for good luck.
You should not whistle while you're in the theatre, especially in the
dressing rooms. It is said that someone will soon be out of work if whistling
occurs in the theatre.
Actors are very superstitious about ghosts and the theatre. Most theatres
are reported to have at least one ghost roaming about. Monday night is
considered Ghost Night. Most theatres don't have productions on this night
so the ghosts will have their own night to perform their plays.
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