Who was responsible for protecting the script in theater?

The correct answer highlights the role of a guild or a group of craftsmen, which historically played a significant role in protecting the script within the theater. This group would often consist of skilled individuals who collaborated in various aspects of theater production, including writing, acting, and staging. Their collective responsibility ensured that the intellectual property of the playwright was respected and preserved, preventing unauthorized adaptations and variations of the original work.

In many historical contexts, guilds were essential in regulating the standards of production and protecting the rights of artists, including playwrights. This guild system helped to maintain the integrity of theatrical literature and enabled playwrights to receive proper acknowledgement and compensation for their work.

In contrast, audience members do not have a role in script protection, as they are primarily consumers of the performances rather than protectors of the content. While individual playwrights certainly have a personal interest in their scripts, the protection and safeguarding of scripts in a collaborative environment often require the involvement of a more organized body, such as a guild. The theater director focuses more on the overall production and direction of the performance rather than the specific protection of the script itself.