I.1. Look through the quotations and try to outline the problems to be discussed.

1. “All Art is but imitation of nature” (Seneca).

2. “A picture is a poem without words” (Horatio).

3. “Reading makes a full man, conference a ready man, writing an exact man” (Bacon).

4. “Music is the universal language of mankind” (Longfellow).

People spend their leisure time in a variety of ways. The Arts provide outlets for hobbyists with special interest in such performing art forms as theatre, dance, cinema, ballet, opera and concerts.

2. The theatre is one of the most complex of the arts. Complete the list of specialists required for its creation .using the words from the box:

Sculpture playwright lawyer performer composers hairdresser librarian Scene designer firefighter musicians architect police officer

3. Some people are speaking about their visit to a theatre performance. Look up and say which theatre they’ve visited. Why do you think so? Which theatres have you ever visited?

The Puppet Theatre The Musical Comedy Theatre The Opera House The Art Theatre The Drama Theatre The Philharmonic Society

Robert Miller: “Even in these days of sophisticated film animation and special effects, these theatres still have a special place in many cultures and no doubt people will be able to see the traditional characters for many more years. Although some of us think of these objects as children’s entertainment, they were – and often still are – used to tell serious stories to adult audiences”.

Mike Smith: “the way they see the dance is based on the classical understanding of plasticity mixed with gymnastics, acrobatics, folk choreography, drama pantomime…”

John Norman: “There isn’t a single spare seat in the house and elegant music lovers are packed in the hall, listening attentively. As for the Evgeny Kissin piano recital, whatever one’s assessment of his sensitivity in Schumann or Beethoven, his technique and physical strength at the keyboard are beyond question.”

Olga Gromova: “The performance is almost too perfect – resembling a polished masterpiece rather than a slice of real life.”

Martha Herbert: “It was a spectacular hit, a warm wonderful and welcoming show, full of great songs. I gasped, laughed and cried.”

4. These words have been left out of Nick’s theatre visiting story below. Say where they go and retell Nick’s impressions to your group mates:

actors seats audience performance reviews sets… lobby… cast programme stage

To tell the truth, I had a special liking for the Yanka Kupala Academic Theatre. As far as I know it is one of the oldest theatres in your republic. Yesterday my friends invited me to see an ambiguous ... of Simon-Musician. Leaving our coats in the cloakroom, we passed on to the …. We bought a … and occupied our …. The theatre was full. There was hardly any vacant seat.

It was grand, magnificent and a landmark. The … were realistic and costumes were wonderful. It was a good … acting with an absolutely fascinating charm and power. Within seconds, the… managed to create a field of energy around lifeless Symon – played by Alexander Molchanov. We enjoyed the play greatly. The … kept the actors on the … for a long time after the performance. The main actors were presented with flowers.

The way Nicolay Pinigin had organized the performance was excellent and it got rave … in the papers.