1. A Brief Introduction to Ancient Greek Theater

2. Sophocles-Greek Playwright Born in 496 BC in Colunus Greece Died at age 90 At age 28, one of his plays won a contest Sophocles won most often in Greek playwright contests, over 20 times.

3. Tragedy Tragic plays involve the downfall of the hero and usually end with his or her destruction. They also involve intense emotion that leads to an emotional release - a CATHARSIS

4. Arouse pity, fear, wonder or awe Explore the relationship of gods and mortals Purify the emotions & Show how the hero is brought down by a character flaw According to Aristotle, Tragedies…

5. Greek Theatre The orchestra was a circular floor between the skene and audience. Plays were performed in amphitheatres that seated 40,000 The stage was at the foot of a hill The skene was a large building behind the stage for dressing or backdrop

6. Costumes and Masks All actors were men They wore masks with built-in megaphones They also wore platform shoes and long robes. All aspects of the costumes, masks and movements were exaggerated to be seen from far away

7. Greek Masks Masks were made of wool, linen, wood, plaster or other perishable materials.

8. Greek Theatre, continued The Chorus was a group of 15 and acted as one character, commenting on the action in the play and reacting as spectators to the play. In Antigone, the chorus represents the leading citizens of Thebes. The Choragus was the leader of the chorus; he interacted with the characters in the play

9. Parts of the Play Prologue : beginning of the play, before the action begins Parodos : song that marks the entry of the chorus Scene : where the majority of the action occurs Ode : song chanted by the chorus, often a commentary on the action from the scene.

10. More Parts of the Play Paean: hymn sung by the chorus, appealing to the gods for assistance. Exodos: last episode in the play. It is followed by a final speech addressed directly to the audience by the chorus