The Land Greece has thousands of inhabited islands and dramatic mountain ranges Greece has a rich culture and history Democracy was founded in Greece Patriarchal (male dominated) society Philosophy, as a practice, began in Greece (Socrates, Plato, Aristotle)

The Land Located in Europe in the Aegean Sea

The Land zspA (Optional 55 minutes – Ancient greek History Video)

The Theatre of ancient Greece

A theatre culture flourished in ancient Greece, between 550BC and 220BC. Theatre events were held in honour of the god Dionysius – the god of wine, drunkenness, joy and theatre. Theatre events were held over several days, usually during Spring and often as part of a religious pageant or festival. Going to the theatre was an act of citizenship, showing an interest in the arts, religion and issues of the day.

The Theatre of ancient Greece Tragedy, comedy and the satyr (tragicomedy) play were the three dramatic genres. Theatre’s were built on a large scale to accommodate the large cast and about 14,000 audience members.

The Theatre of ancient Greece By watching the theatre, the Greek people would be able to see and discuss issues of public morality, human vanity and relationships with the gods. Plays tell the myths and legends of the Greek gods and heroes. For example, Medea draws on the legend of Jason and the Golden Fleece (You must know this myth well to understand the play).

Jason and the Golden Fleece A cartoon (20min that also looks at Jason’s mythological background) (A good lecture on this myth – 50 minutes – to set for private viewing at home)

Greek Theatre The plays had strict conventions that evolved over time: Chorus – group of singers/dancers. They chanted in unison and commented on the action unfolding. Plays of the ancient Greek theatre always included a chorus that offered a variety of background and summary information to help the audience follow the performance. Some people suggest that the chorus shows the audience what they should think or feel about the action of the play. In many Ancient Greek plays, the chorus expressed to the audience what the main characters could not say, such as their hidden fears or secrets. The chorus represents, on stage, the general population of the particular story. They were often the same sex as the main character. For example, in Euripides Medea, the chorus is a group of women.

Greek Theatre Three actors (playing several roles) were the general convention. However, in Medea, Euripides only used two actors. All men – no women participated.

Greek Theatre All the actors wore masks to indicate which character they were playing. They would also wear specific dresses and colours to show their characters social status. Acting was very dramatic and powerfully done in order to communicate more easily with the audience.

Greek Amphitheatre What was the theatre like? open air Amphitheatre. theatres were vast and accommodated thousands of people at a time.

A basic history of Greek Theatre (6 minutes) M6OBvAdE M6OBvAdE (28 minutes – For students to view independently?)

The Stage Three Main Portions of Greek Theatre: Skene – Portion of stage where actors performed (included 1-3 doors in and out) Orchestra – “ Dancing Place ” where chorus sang to the audience Theatron – Seating for audience

The Stage

Major Greek Dramatists Aeschylus524 B.C.Seven Against Thebes Sophocles496 B.C.Antigone Oedipus Euripides480 B.C.Medea

Tragedy A Tragedy typically involves; a protagonist who falls from prosperity to misery, through a series of reversals or changes as a result of a ‘tragic flaw’ in their character. Their character’s journey teaches the audience valuable lessons about life and should bring the audience to a point of ‘catharsis’. Catharsis: Some critics interpret catharsis as the purging or cleansing of pity and fear from the spectators as they observe the action on stage; in this way tragedy relieves them of harmful emotions, leaving them better people for their experience.

Writing Style

Play Division of a typical tragedy Prologue: precedes the play and is often performed by a minor character, god or even a major character. The speaker addresses the audience directly. Parodos: the chorus enters and sings or chants. Episode: a scene between the parodos (chorus) and the first stasimon. Stasimon: an extended song of the chorus. Exodos: scene/s following the last stasimon.

Writing style in Medea The play is a polemic – Euripides has strong beliefs that he wants us to take on board. It is a play of feminine revolt, and the play centres on the powerlessness of women and the problems that can follow. Such a topic was way ahead of its time! Perhaps this empathy with victims in society, especially women explains the unheard of ending where Medea is allowed to get away without punishment.

The 12 Main Gods

Temperaments of the Olympians

Zeus King of gods Heaven Storms Thunder lightning

Poseidon Zeus ’ s brother King of the sea Earthquakes Horses

Hades Brother to Zeus and Poseidon King of the Underworld (Tartarus) Husband of Persphone

Ares God of war

Hephaestus God of fire Craftspeople Metalworkers Artisans

Apollo God of the sun Music Poetry Fine arts Medicine

Hermes Messenger to the gods Trade Commerce Travelers Thieves & scoundrels

Dionysus God of Wine Partying (Revelry)

Hera Queen of gods Women Marriage Childbirth

Demeter Goddess of Harvest Agriculture Fertility Fruitfulness Mom to Persephone

Hestia Goddess of Hearth Home Community

Athena Goddess of wisdom Practical arts War

Aphrodite Goddess of love and beauty

Artemis Goddess of hunting and the moon.