1. 7/15/20161 Greek Theater Philosophy at work in Society

2. 7/15/20162 Greek Theater I. Function of theater in society II. Tragedies – Aristotle’s artistic unity III. Staging of Greek Theater

3. 7/15/20163 I. Function of theater in society Start of Ancient Greek Theatre "... mixture of myth, legend, philosophy, social commentary, poetry, dance, music, public participation, and visual splendor." (Cohen 64). Dionysus - fertility (main duty), Wine, Agriculture, sexuality Athenians annual fertility festival in March for 1 week; festival celebrated the birth of Dionysus and the grapes; religious rites for these ceremonies were eventually written down in verse form and later became plays.

4. 7/15/20164 I. Function of theater in society Annual March celebration: the Dionysia Competition to celebrate & foster excellence Supported and financed by the state Three choregoi (producers) appointed Winners were celebrated

5. 7/15/20165 I. Function of theater in society Moral and political education of citizens (philosophy) Poet’s job – improvement of society Balance between competition & individual heroism vs. cooperation & compromise

6. 7/15/20166 I. Function of theater in society Tragedy: Political propaganda promoting status quo Celebration of idealized heroes Reflect on personal values that conflict with civil ideals  Against xenophobia  Sympathy of enslaved or powerless  Sympathy of the fallen

7. 7/15/20167 I. Function of theater in society Tragedy (con’t) Served to enlarge human empathy Release of powerful emotions in an orderly context *** paradox of tragedy – aesthetic pleasure in suffering of others *** only male actors portraying slaves, gods, goddesses, heroines, etc.

8. 7/15/20168 REVIEW Name three functions of theater for Greek society? 1. 2. 3. How were they important?

9. 7/15/20169 II. Aristotle’s Tragedy Protagonist – person of high estate, noble soul, or great heart; great fall Hamartia (error/ transgression) – origin of the idea of the tragic flaw Hubris – for the Greeks the greatest weakness Capable of great choices and accepting the responsibility

10. 7/15/201610 II. Aristotle’s Tragedy Purgation (katharsis) – after witnessing a tragedy, we feel better “Pains transmuted into exaltation by the alchemy of poetry.” Edith Hamilton For modern audience, it is a sense of our own mortality.

11. 7/15/201611 II. Aristotle’s Tragedy Additional terms Recognition – revelation of some unknown fact; true identity; Reversal – (peripety) action that turns out to have the opposite effect from the one intended Oedipus Rex is the model for all tragedy!

12. 7/15/201612 Review: Aristotelian Tragedy What are modern considerations for us reading a tragedy? What are Aristotle’s characteristics for a tragic “hero?” In other words, what makes him heroic?

13. 7/15/201613 Performance Space Orchestra: ("dancing space") circular, level space where the chorus would dance, sing; often included a thymele, or altar. Theatron: ("viewing-place") where spectators sat; part of hillside overlooking the orchestra Skene: ("tent") building directly behind the stage; skene was directly in back of the stage, decorated as a palace, temple, or other building, with at least one set of doors (entrances and exits); also access to the roof for actors playing gods, etc Parodos: ("passageways") the paths by which the chorus and some actors made their entrances and exits. III. Staging of Greek Theater

14. 7/15/201614

15. 7/15/201615 III. Staging of Greek Theater Content & Format Prologue: The prologue usually gives the mythological background necessary for understanding the events of the play. Parodos: song sung by the chorus as it first enters the orchestra and dances. First Episode: This is the first of many "episodes," when the characters and chorus talk. First Stasimon: At the end of each episode, the chorus dances and sings a stasimon (choral ode). The ode usually reflects on the things said and done in the episodes, and puts it into some kind of larger mythological framework. Exodos: the chorus exits singing a processional song which usually offers words of wisdom related to the actions and outcome of the play.

16. 7/15/201616 III. Staging of Greek Theater The Actors Chorus -reflects on the action and reaction; 12-15 members; represent society’s correct response Actors –all male Cothornous -wooden shoes with tall heels Costumes - symbolic significance: male, female, rich/poor, priest, etc. specific character portrayal. Masks -absolutely necessary ; the Dionysian religion; amplified voice; personalized emotions for each character; could be seen in the last rows.