Question

Plays

Father Comes Home from the Wars (Parts 1, 2 & 3)

These three short plays by Suzan Lori-Parks are the start of an ambitious attempt to retell the story of the American civil war. The focus is on a slave promised his freedom by his master if he joins in the fight against the Union. Steve Toussaint and Jimmy Akingbola head the cast, and Jo Bonney is in charge.

• 15 September to 4 October, Royal Court, London. Box office: 020-7565 5000.

A Pacifist’s Guide to the War on Cancer

Bryony Kimmings and Brian Lobel consider our attitudes to cancer and the language we employ to deal with it through the stories of five people. This is an all-singing, all-dancing affair with music by Tom Parkinson, wiping off the pink charity ribbons to look at the realities of diagnosis(诊断)and what it means for the wider family.

• 20-24 September, Home, Manchester. Box office: 0161-200 1500.

The Nest

Every parent wants the best for their baby. Kurt and Martha are prepared to work hard to ensure theirs has everything he needs, even if that means Kurt taking on extra work. Franz Xaver Kroetz’s extraordinary play about the damage that profit causes to individuals and the environment gets a new translation from Conor McPherson.

• 15-22 October, Lyric, Belfast. Box office: 028-9038 1081.

The Red Barn

David Hare’s new play is based on La Main, a psychological thriller by the great Georges Simenon. The story concerns two couples who, on their way back from a party, struggle through the snow. The play is directed by Robert Icke, and the cast is headed by Mark Strong and Hope Davis.

• 6-20 October, Lyttelton, London. Box office: 020-7452 3000.

1.What do we know about Father Comes Home from the Wars?

A. It is set in the USA.

B. It is put on throughout September.

C. It tells of the hardship slaves suffered.

D. It is the first play to describe the cruelty of war.

2.When can you see the play directed by Robert Icke?

A. 19 September.    B. 3 October.

C. 10 October.    D. 21October.

3.In which play can we feel parents’ love for children?

A. The Nest

B. The Red Barn

C. Father Comes Home from the Wars

D. A Pacifist’s Guide to the War on Cancer

4.What do the plays mentioned in the text have in common?

A. They are all comedies.    B. They are put on in autumn.

C. They are highly thought of.    D. They are works of the same writer.

Answer

1.A

2.C

3.A

4.D

【解析】本文主要向我们介绍了一些戏剧的表演时间，地点，订票电话以及戏剧的大概内容和参演情况。

1.细节理解题。由“These three short plays by Suzan Lori-Parks are the start of an ambitious attempt to retell the story of the American civil war. ”这三个短剧由Suzan Lori Parks是复述故事的美国内战开始的雄心勃勃的尝试。可知这个故事设置在美国。A符合语境，故选A。

2.细节理解题。由“ 15-22 October, ”十月十五日到二十二日以及“The play is directed by Robert Icke,”该剧由Robert Icke导演，可知该剧在十月十五日到二十二日放映。C符合题意，故选C。

3.细节理解题。由“Every parent wants the best for their baby. Kurt and Martha are prepared to work hard to ensure theirs has everything he needs, even if that means Kurt taking on extra work.”每个父母都想要最好的孩子。库尔特和玛莎准备努力工作，以确保他们有他所需要的一切，即使这意味着库尔特承担额外的工作。可知这个戏剧说的是父母对孩子的爱，A符合题意，故选A。

4.细节理解题。由“15 September to 4 October,”“ 20-24 September,”“15-22 October, ”“6-20 October,”可知这些戏剧都在秋天上演，B符合题意，故选B。