1. Greek Drama

2. Act I, II, III . . .Exodus Greek drama began as a religious ritual
Plays begin with a prologue where one or two “narrators” set up the story to be told
Then the chorus sings in unison to the audience. The music is not just for entertainment—the chorus provides important information to the audience.
Then several short acts follow where actors interact. These acts are separated by choral interludes.
The conclusion (Exodus) involves the chorus singing a song while marching out; the song has tidbits of wisdom related to the actions and outcome of the play.

3. 3 Types of Greek Drama Tragedy Comedy Satire (satyr)
*Men played all the parts
*They wore “padding” in appropriate places when their character was female

4. Tragedy
Tragedies were written for and about “better than average” people; they are noble and speak an elevated language
Tragic flaw present
Some had happy endings
Tragedies were part of a religious festival for Dionysus
*Heroes, kings, or gods experience a fall from good fortune to bad fortune
*Meant to purge the soul of guilt and pity

5. Comedy *Fiction *Believable (remember this is relative in mythology)
*Written for and about people who were average or lower than average (us)
They enjoy a transition from bad circumstances to good (but not too good) and who speak everyday language
*Comedy wasn’t necessarily funny

6. Satire Satirical plays were not taken seriously until the Renaissance
Satires allowed the poet/playwright to make comments about the flaws he saw in society
Popular culture examples of satire: The Simpsons, Shrek I, II, III, The Office

7. Greek Theater
Orchestra: where the chorus would dance, sing and interact with the actors.
Theatron: viewing place; usually up on a hill so the spectators could see well
Skene: the tent behind the stage; usually had at least one set of doors for actors to enter and exit the stage
Parados: paths by which some actors, the chorus, and spectators entered the theater.

8. Greek Theater
Theater of Dionysus at Athens

9. Religious Foundation
The drama works out many of the characteristics all religious ritual works out: explaining the relation of the human to the divine, of the human to the material world, of explaining violence and its origins, and attempting to control the irrational and the material worlds.
This is why theater was so important to the Greeks and continues to be important to us!