PREVIEW Think of a no-win situation in which you (or someone) would be forced to choose between the “lesser of two evils.” Outline the situation in a few complete sentences and examine how one would choose which of the alternatives was the BEST. Conclude by suggesting possible consequences for your choice.
Ancient Greek Theatre
Dionysus Greek God of Wine and Harvest Greek theater originally celebrated him People attended yearly festivals honoring Dionysus (about 15,000) called the City Dionysia
CITY DIONYSIA Three tragic poets were chosen to present a tetralogy (a group of four plays), three tragedies and a satyr play. Early in the 5th century BC, these would have formed a trilogy. Later, they were usually self-contained dramas. Winners were selected by judges.
Orchestra: The orchestra (literally, "dancing space") was normally circular. It was a level space where the chorus would dance, sing, and interact with the actors who were on the stage near the skene. The center of the orchestra was a sacrificial altar. Theatron: The theatron (literally, "viewing-place") is where the spectators sat. The theatron was usually part of hillside overlooking the orchestra, and often wrapped around a large portion of the orchestra (see the diagram above). Skene: The skene (literally, "tent") was the building directly behind the stage. The skene was directly in back of the stage, and was usually decorated as a palace, temple, or other building, depending on the needs of the play. It had at least one set of doors, and actors could make entrances and exits through them. There was also access to the roof of the skene from behind, so that actors playing gods and other characters could appear on the roof, if needed. Parodos: The parodoi (literally, "passageways") are the paths by which the chorus and some actors (such as those representing messengers or people returning from abroad) made their entrances and exits. The audience also used them to enter and exit the theater before and after the performance.
Greek Drama All actors were men, regardless of the role. Never more than 3 actors in any scene. Wore masks to indicate the nature of the characters played. These masks also served as megaphones to project their voices. The chorus (12-15 men) who periodically sang songs during the performance and between scenes Violence and death are off stage
The Greek Chorus They provided time for scene changes, introduced background and summary information. Their dance and chanting provided the visionary experience that separated audience from the actor and the essence of tragedy. Ideal spectator: reacts as the audience should. Asks questions, takes part in the play Heightens dramatic effect through movement, song and dance Rhythmical Function-pauses/paces the action so audience can reflect and actors can rest/prepare
Greek Tragedy Most tragedies were based on myth, but the background would have been known well by the audience. The hero faces a situation where any action or lack of action would result in punishment Sometimes it is the protagonist’s (1st actor) own fault due to hubris (arrogant pride) Of the hundreds of Greek tragedies written, fewer than 35 survive.
Aeschylus The Father of Greek Tragedy He introduced the 2nd actor (previously the actor had simply interacted with the chorus) so there could be conflict. He won 13 first place awards in City Dionysia. The Persians The Oresteia (a trilogy) Agamemnon The Libation Bearers The Eumenides Prometheus Bound 525-456 B.C.
Oresteia The only connected trilogy that survives. This trilogy traces the story of the House of Atreus from Agamemnon's murder by his wife after his return from Troy to the acquittal of his son, Orestes, who killed his mother in revenge.
Sophocles Most Awarded Playwright – won 24 competitions and never worse than second place. Added a third actor and thereby reduced the importance of the chorus in the presentation of the plot. Antigone Oedipus the King 496-406 B.C.
ANTIGONE By far the greatest part of happiness is plain good sense. Right treatment of the gods is all-important. Boastful words, spoken by boastful people, bring no good: Great blows will always fall upon the proud, and in the end these mighty blows bring wisdom. Antigone has a touch choice to make. Her brother was involved in a rebellion against King Creon and was killed. The king is so furious at the rebels he orders that no one bury the bodies. However, this was a terrible punishment because the person would never be able to go to the underworld and rest. Religious law said families had to make sure their relatives were buried. Antigone has to decide whether to follow the King’s law or the gods’ law. Moreover, she is engaged to Haemon, the king’s son. Her sister tells her to simply follow orders and not to worry with it. However, Antigone will not let anyone make up her mind for her. She sprinkles dirt over the body of her dead brother but is captured and brought before an enraged king Creon. He declares she must be put to death. The chorus gets angry (acting like democratic Athenians) and says she deserves a glowing golden crown rather than death! The king ignores them and locks her away to starve to death. A prophet warns the king something terrible will happen, but when he goes to release her, he finds she has committed suicide. Then his son commits suicide, followed soon after by his wife. Creon has to live knowing all this death is his fault. He cries “Woe for my crimes, so senseless, so insane, stubborn and deadly! See the two of us, a father murdering, a son the murdered one. My wretched notions, blind, that killed my son while still so young, lost to the world this day not through his foolishness but through my own.” But is it the king’s fault? Was it Antigone’s fault? Was it the rebel’s fault? The chorus gets the final word, but who are they talking about? It is open to the audience’s interpretation.
Euripides Portrayed strong female characters and intelligent slaves. He also satirized mythological heroes. Only won 5 competitions due to his unpopularity among Athenians because of his radical themes. Medea (Describes how a mother kills her children to gain revenge against their father) 480-406 B.C.
Greek Comedies Most surviving comedies come from one playwright, Aristophanes. Most comedies were about current events (Think Saturday Night Live) which might explain why they didn’t stand the test of time
Aristophanes The Wasps (actors wear wasp costumes as they play jurors showing how juries (especially Athenian ones) can sting painfully.) The Birds (some people get fed up with Athens, so they grow wings and set up a new society in the sky, called Cloudcuckooland.) Lysistrata (women all over Greece go on strike. They seize the acropolis and refuse to have anything to do with their husbands until men agree to end the Peloponnesian War.) 446-386 B.C.
Non-Mandatory Assignment If you are up to the challenge, compose a brief “Greek Tragedy” in which the major theme is the one you laid out in your preview. Remember you will have no more than 3 characters per scene. Also, separate each scene with a brief lyrical song (short poem) to be sung by the chorus. Visit http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/greece/theater/index.html for help.