1. Intro to Greek Theater and Sophocles

2. Greek Theater Greeks very competitive by nature
Had many festivals with competitions
Dionysia:
Most famous festival-, it was a celebration of the Greek god, Dionysus the god of wine and drama
Occurred every spring
Was a four day festival—open to everyone, including prisoners
3 dramatists showcased their plays, 4 plays each
1st, 2nd, and 3rd prize were determined by ten elected judges
A statue of Dionysus was placed in the audience during the festival, also room in the audience for his priests

3. Theater of Dionysus in Athens

4. Structure of the Plays and Audience Involvement
Actors wore generic masks: old man, little girl, etc.
Actors were male
3 actors in each play-elected professionals
Plays placed importance on the individual heroes, but also their influence on the community
Chorus:
Very big part of the play
Bridged the gap between actors and audience members
Represented the voice of the people and was comprised of Greek citizens
Performed on the dance floor, which was the focal point of the theater
Audience Members:
Were familiar with the content of the plays
Plays and the festival had religious importance
Even though the plays were about the past, message and “feel” reflected present

5. Estimated 14-15,000 seats
Orchestra- “dancing space”
chorus performed here
Theatron- viewing place
Skene- “tent” building
behind the orchestra w/
backdrop and exit/entrance
Parados- “passageways”
entrance/exit for
actors and audience members

7. Sophocles Born ~ 496 BCE Antigone was performed 441 BC
Acted in his own plays until he was too old
Evidence shows he won 1st prize 18 times
Was involved in politics and military
Father was a wealthy man
Very well educated

8. Structure of Antigone
Prologue: background for the play, Antigone and Ismene discuss burial of Polynices Parodos: initial song and dance performed by chorus 5 Episodes: similar to acts in a play 5 Choral odes: chorus chimes in, providing input about characters and circumstances Exodos: final words of wisdom from the chorus

9. Tragic Hero Has a moral struggle and it ends disastrously
Is a superior person who is treated sympathetically (we like him/her anyway)
Is destined to go down fighting rather than submit—a moral victory, but physical defeat
Very human (not just good or bad)
Has a fall from good fortune

10. Hamartia (Tragic flaw)
Greeks’ version was hubris (excessive pride)
Can look like anger, jealousy, ambition, but it is always caused by a character thinking they are too superior