2. Founding Fathers Dionysus

3. Founding Fathers Thespis, “Father of Drama” (thespians)

4. Founding Fathers Sophocles A. Added a third actor B. Reduced the role of the Chorus (set number at 15) C. Introduced painted scenery D. Enhanced character development E. Made each play of a trilogy separate in nature (each play could stand alone) Oedipus Rex Oedipus at Colonus Antigone

5. A. Skene (scene): building used as dressing room B. Proscenion: raised platform, similar to modern-day stage C. Parados: entrance to the theatre used by Chorus D. Orchestra: circular dancing place where actors and Chorus performed E. Koilon (or Theatron): place where audience sat; initially just the hill, then later constructed of wood or stone F. Diazoma A: the upper level of the Koilon G. Diazoma B: the lower level of the Koilon

8. A. The playwright took the leading role B. All male performers (played female roles too) C. Never more than 3 actors (changed characters) D. Costumes and Masks 1. long, flowing robes (colored symbolically) 2. high boots with raised soles 3. large masks made of wood, linen, cork a. identified age, gender, emotion b. exaggerated features (eyes, open mouth)

9. A. Music and Dance 1. music: flute, lyre, drums 2. dance: expressive rhythmic movements B. Function of the Chorus 1. sets overall mood and expresses theme 2. adds beauty through song and dance 3. gives background information 4. divides action and offers reflection on events 5. questions, advises, expresses opinion (usually through Chorus leader)

10. A. Aristotle’s Unities 1. action (simple plot) 2. time (single day) 3. place (one scene throughout) B. The Messenger (sentry) 1. tells news happening away from the scene 2. reports acts of violence not allowed to be seen C. Limitations of the Theatre 1. the Chorus is constantly on the stage 2. no intermission 3. no lighting, no curtains

11. A. tragedy: an imitation of a serious action which will arouse pity and fear in the viewer B. tragic hero: a character, usually of noble birth, neither totally good nor totally evil, whose downfall is brought about by some weakness and error in judgment (a tragic flaw) C. tragic flaw, weakness of a character or error in judgment which causes the downfall of the hero D. hubris: the tragic flaw of pride E. catharsis: the “purging” or release of emotions the audience feels

12. King Menoeceus King LaiusJocasta CreonEurydice King Oedipus Jocasta EteoclesPolyneicesIsmeneAntigone MegareusHaemon

13. The Oracle of Delphi prophesied that Laius [ley-uhs] and Jocasta [joh-kas-tuh], king and queen of Thebes, would have a son who would kill his father. In an attempt to prevent this prophecy's fulfillment, when Oedipus was born, Laius gave the boy to a servant to throw over a cliff to his death. A sympathetic shepherd brought the baby to the house of Polybus [pol-uh- buhs], king of Corinth and his queen, Merope [mer- uh-pee], where he was raised as a prince.

14. Years later, Oedipus is told his destiny by the same Oracle of Delphi. He travels to Thebes, and on the way, argues with and kills Laius in self-defense. Oedipus defeats the Sphinx by guessing the answer to its riddle, and becomes a hero.

15. As his prize, Oedipus marries the queen Jocasta and together they have four children: two sons, Eteocles and Polyneices, and two daughters, Antigone and Ismene. When a terrible plague strikes Thebes, Oedipus consults the Oracle of Delphi, who tells him the king’s murderer must be found and either be killed or exiled.

16. Oedipus sends for the shepherd who first found him in the wilderness, who warns him not to try to find the killer. Oedipus argues, and Tiresias is provoked into exposing the truth about Oedipus. Oedipus does not believe him, but stabs out his own eyes when he realizes the truth and is exiled from Thebes. Antigone and Ismene, his daughters, dutifully lead their father through the lands during his exile.

17. A civil war breaks out about who will be the new ruler of Thebes. Eteocles and Polyneices (the two sons of Oedipus) fight to be heir to the throne. They kill each other and their Uncle Creon steps up. He believes one was the rightful heir (the oldest son) and the other was a traitor to the state for challenging him. Creon refuses a proper burial for the “traitor” and this makes Antigone angry; she believes BOTH her brothers deserve a proper burial.

18. Why was a proper burial so important to the Greek culture? What are some burial practices in use today?