1. Greek Theater An introduction to Oedipus Rex

2. Golden Age of Athens Athens: political and military power in Greece period from 480-406 BC famous for flourishing political and cultural life dramatic arts at center of cultural achievements ended with Peloponnesian War Athens: political and military power in Greece period from 480-406 BC famous for flourishing political and cultural life dramatic arts at center of cultural achievements ended with Peloponnesian War

3. Greek Theater theater evolved from festivals of Dionysus (god of fertility and wine) Thespis (500s BC) created a solo drama –one actor performs with masks for different characters –considered first Greek actor Aeschylus (471 BC) added a second actor –dialogue became possible Sophocles (468 BC) added third actor –more complex dramatic situations –still used masks to indicate different characters

4. Parts of a Greek Theater

5. Layout of Greek Theater Orchestra –literally “dancing space” –normally circular; at center = thymele (altar) –group of people (chorus) sing, dance, interact with actors on stage Theatron –literally “viewing space” –where audience sat –usually part of hillside overlooking orchestra

6. Layout of Greek Theater cont. Skene –literally “tent” –building directly behind stage –decorated as palace, temple or other building –doors to make entrances/exits Parados –literally “passageways” –paths for entrances and exits

7. Pictures of Theaters

8. born in Colonus, Greece and died in Athens son of wealthy merchant studied all of the arts plays produced at the Great Dionysia in Athens –annual festival honoring Dionysus –ended with dramatic competitions won first prize >20 times in competition wrote >100 tragedies (8 survived) –Oedipus Rex, Oedipus at Colonus, Antigone –Electra, Philoctetes, Ajax, Ichneutai, The Trachiniae Sophocles (c. 496-406 BC)

9. Oedipus Rex most famous tragedy ever written first produced in Athens c. 430 BC Aristotle praised it for its exemplary, well-constructed plot, which is capable of inspiring fear and pity Greek term to know: –hubris: a type of fatal flaw - pride

10. Aristotle’s Elements of a Tragedy protagonist: central character Act III - catharsis: audience is cleansed by closure of tragedy Act II - anagnorisis: recognition of deeds (protagonist recognizes harmatia) always has harmatia (fatal flaw) antagonist: obstacle to the protagonist Act I - peripetia: reversal of fortune intended to elicit pity and sympathy

11. THE END

12. Backdrops: - These are full sized backdrops, just scale them up! - Can be Copy-Pasted out of Templates for use anywhere! www.animationfactory.com