Greek Theatre

Drama originated from religious ceremonies: main feature of the religious festivals given in honor of Dionysus Origins of Drama

After work, people of Greece sang and danced in a circle to worship their gods. After work, people of Greece sang and danced in a circle to worship their gods. These circle dances became the dithyramb, a religious ritual performed by a chorus of men wearing masks. These circle dances became the dithyramb, a religious ritual performed by a chorus of men wearing masks. Origins of Drama

Thespis — ( 6 th Century B.C.) Considered the first playwright – “Father of Drama”Considered the first playwright – “Father of Drama” Introduced first actor, and thus, dialogueIntroduced first actor, and thus, dialogue “thespian” means actor“thespian” means actor Origins of Drama

Aeschylus — (525 – 426 B.C.) added a second actor in the early 5 th centuryadded a second actor in the early 5 th century wrote trilogies on unified themeswrote trilogies on unified themes Origins of Drama

Sophocles — (496 – 406 B.C.) added a third actor in the late 5 th century added a third actor in the late 5 th century fixed number of chorus members to fifteen fixed number of chorus members to fifteen introduced painted scenery introduced painted scenery wrote over 100 plays, of which only 7 have survived Origins of Drama

Euripides — (486 – 406 B.C.) was less formal and wrote about the underdog was less formal and wrote about the underdog reduced participation of chorus in main action reduced participation of chorus in main action relied heavily on prologues relied heavily on prologues Origins of Drama

Structure of Greek Theater

theatron – where the audience sat theatron – where the audience sat orchestra – circular dancing place where actors and chorus performed orchestra – circular dancing place where actors and chorus performed skene – building used as a dressing room skene – building used as a dressing room parados – entrance to the theater used by the chorus parados – entrance to the theater used by the chorus Structure of Greek Theater

Hypocrites – the answerer 1 st “dramas” (Thespis) – actor and playwright were originally the same1 st “dramas” (Thespis) – actor and playwright were originally the same playwright took leading roleplaywright took leading role never had more than three actors playing all rolesnever had more than three actors playing all roles all male performersall male performers Actors and Acting

Tragedy – play in which main character, tragic hero, suffers a downfall. Tragic hero – character whose downfall is brought about by a flaw within his/her own character. –n–n–n–neither totally good nor totally evil –u–u–u–usually of high birth (not a commoner) Elements of Greek Tragedy

hamartia – the tragic flaw; weakness of character or error in judgment which causes the downfall of the hero (usually hubris) hubris – excessive pride; arrogance anagnorisis – recognition or discovery on the part of the hero; change from ignorance to knowledge the hero MUST possess this knowledge; it’s what brings about the suffering

peripetia – reversal of fortune peripetia – reversal of fortune nemesis – fate that cannot be escaped nemesis – fate that cannot be escaped catharsis – release of emotions catharsis – release of emotions Elements of Greek Tragedy