Greek Theater

What did the Theater look like?

Parts of the Theater Theatron: Meaning “Place of seeing” - This is where we get our word for Theater. It is where the people sat to view the performance. Parados: Side entrance to the theater. The Chorus would enter from this area. Also the name given to the first song song sung by the chorus. Ochestra: The part of the stage reserved for the large chorus. “A place for dancing” - sometimes would have a religious alter Skene: The Greek word from which we get the word scene, was originally a flat-roofed stage building. It served as a backstage area and could represent a palace or cave with a door from which actors could emerge.

History of the Theater Greek theater emerged around 700BCE – and grew from the festival of Dionysus Dramatic performances were held only during annual festivals – they took place outdoors with many being presented on the same day Many Play wrights competed for best play in the category of “Comedy” or “Tragedy” Only three actors could participate (all males) - actors had to play more then one role Masks (Prosopon) played a critical role in ancient Greek plays

Greek theater masks Mask (Prosopon): The mask would cover the entire head of the actor Their would be holes for the eyes, nose, and mouth; with the inclusion of real hair on the head The mask was meant to transform the actor into that person Large mouths on the mask served as a “trumpet” to increase the actors voice The masks were extremely detailed and would have over-emphasized expressions

The Chorus The Greek Chorus played a pivotal role in dramas. Many times before a play would start they would give a “prologue” and summarize key details at important stages of the play. The Chorus would also express fears or secrets the main character couldn’t say The Chorus ranged in size from 12-50: But one thing was constant – The Chorus was meant to represent “the citizens” of that particular play

Aristophanes Greek Comedian ( 446 – 386 BCE) 11 out of his 30 plays survive. His powers of ridicule and slander were known throughout the ancient world. He is one of the few examples of “Old Comedy” (Satire of public, persons, and affairs) He was extremely critical of politics and philosophical topics. It was said his play The Clouds led to Socrates death He perfected the six part play structure: Introduction, The Parados (intro of the Chorus), Agon (Contest), Parabasis (Chorus addresses audience), Several Farce scenes, and ending in a banquets or wedding It was a transition of Chaos to order! Do all comedies follow this routine?

Sophocles Born 496 BCE – 406 BCE. Considered one of the great Tragic play wrights of all time. Oedipus the King is the most famous. His earliest change to the play structure was the introduction of a 3 rd actor and reduction of the Choral Role. He was focused on character development. Aristotle credits Sophocles with innovating the Skenographia – Or scene paintings He won 18 Dionysia festivals (The most won by a play wright)

Aeschylus Born 525 BCE – 455 BCE. He was the first of the Ancient Greek Tragedians. He has been described as the Father of Tragedy. Only 7 of his 90 plays survive – The most famous being Prometheus Bound He added a second actor to the cast – before it would be a single actor interacting with the Chorus Added Scene decorations Made costumes more elaborate and gave his actors platform boots (to be seen better) Focused plays on moral and religious important Known for writing Tragedies about foreign cultures – The Persians