Write a spelling-translation test: a) translate the phrases into English; b) check them with the key

5. Listen to the text "Chaplin" or the story of another famous actor. Pick out the main points from each paragraph, write a summary of the text In not more than 10 sentences. Discuss the text in class.

TOPIC: THEATRE

TEXT A. DRAMA, MUSIC AND BALLETIN BRITAIN

The centre of theatrical activity in Britain is London. There are about 50 principal theatres in professional use[78] in or near the West End and some 20 in the suburbs.

Most of these are let to producing managements on a commercial basis[79] but some of them are permanently occu­pied by subsidised companies, such as the National Theatre which stages classical and modern plays in its complex of three theatres on the South Bank of the River Thames. The former Old Vic Company, which was Britain's major theatri­cal touring company, has now taken up residence in the Na­tional Theatre, changing its name to the National Theatre Company. In addition the Royal Shakespeare Company pre­sents Shakespearean plays at Stradford-upon-Avon and a mixed repertoire in London.

Outside London there are many non-repertory theatres which present all kinds of drama and also put on variety shows and other entertainments. Recently there has been a growth in the activity of repertory companies which receive financial support from the Arts Council and the local authori­ties. These companies employ leading producers, designers and actors, and the standard of productions is generally high. Some companies have their own theatres, while others rent from the local authorities.

Music of all kinds — "pop" music, folk music, jazz, light music and brass bands — is an important part of British cul­tural life. The large audiences at orchestral concerts and at performances of opera, ballet and chamber music reflect the widespread interest in classical music.

The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London, which receives financial assistance from the Arts Council, gives regular seasons of opera and ballet. It has its own orchestra which plays for the Royal Opera and the Royal Ballet. Both companies have a high international reputation. The English National Opera which performs in the London Coliseum gives seasons of opera and operetta in English. It also tours the provinces.

In 1998 the Government announced the formation of the Young Music Trust to develop the musical skills of the young with some money from the National Lottery, and do­nations from music charities and companies involved in mu­sic business. The national youth orchestras of Great Britain have established high standards.

There are several thousand amateur dramatic societies in Britain. Most universities have thriving amateur drama clubs and societies. Every year an International Festival of Univer­sity Theatre is held.

TEXT B. AT THE BOX-OFFICE

— I want four seats for Sunday, please.

— Matinee or evening performance?

— Evening, please.

— Well, you can have very good seats in the stalls. Row F.

— Oh, no! It's near the orchestra-pit. My wife can't stand loud music.

— Then I could find you some seats in the pit.

— I'm afraid that won't do either. My father-in-law is terribly short-sighted. He wouldn't see much from the pit, would he?

— Hm... Perhaps, you'd care to take a box?

— Certainly not! It's too expensive. I can't afford it. — Dress-circle then?

— I don't like to sit in the dress-circle.

— I'm afraid the only thing that remains is the gallery.

— How can you suggest such a thing! My mother-in-law is a stout woman with a weak heart. We couldn't dream of letting her walk up four flights of stairs, could we?

— I find, sir, that there isn't a single seat in the house[80] that would suit you.

— There isn't, is there? Well, I think we'd much better go to the movies. As for me, I don't care much for this the­atre-going business. Good day!

TEXT С. PANTOMIMES

Sally: Tony, there's an advertisement in the local paper saying that the theatre in the High Street is putting on[81] "Cin­derella". I haven't seen a pantomime for years and years. Do you fancy going?

Tony: Yeh, that sounds good. I don't think I've seen one since I was about fourteen — except for one on ice when I was crazy about skating, and that's not quite the same thing, is it?

Sally: No. Ice shows don't have all the wonderful tradi­tional scenery and that gorgeous theatre atmosphere.

Tony: Pantomimes are awfully old, if you think about it, aren't they? I mean with a girl playing the part of the princi­pal boy, all dressed up in tights and tunic ...

Sally: Mm, and the dame parts taken by men. I've nev­er seen "Cinderella". I suppose the stepmother and the ugly sisters are the men's parts in that.

Tony: Aladdin used to be my favourite, when a comedi­an played the Widow Twankey. And when Aladdin rubbed the magic lamp an enormous genie appeared ...

Sally: And the audience booing the wicked uncle, and joining in the singing of the popular songs they always man­age to get into the play somehow.

Tony: Yes! I wonder how on earth they manage to fit to­day's pop songs into pantomime stories?

Sally: Well, why don't we get tickets and find out?

Tony: Yes, OK. Come on, then.