1. Festival of Dionysus 5th Century B.C. (400-499)
Ancient Greek Drama
Festival of Dionysus
5th Century B.C. ( )

2. Dionysus (Roman: Bacchus)
God of Wine and the Theatre
Inspires Madness and Ecstasy
Associated with frenzy, decadence, and excess
Festival released this “excess” energy
Bacchus is the Roman name, from which we get the word “Bacchanal” which means “a drunken and riotous celebration, or a participant in such a celebration”

3. The Dionysia
Tragic Drama contest that took place in Athens at the “Theatre of Dionysus”
Sophocles won 1st prize several times, along with Aeschylus and Euripides
Won 2nd prize for Oedipus Rex in 429 B.C.

4. Theatre (Theatron: “Watching Place”)
Semicircular area was called the “orchestra” and it was where the chorus sang and danced.
The whole structure was called the “Theatron” which literally means “watching place”

5. Greek Chorus
Chorus typically included members for a tragedy, more for a comedy. They sing or chant their lines in unison, and music,movement, and rhythm are included in the performance.

6. Greek Chorus Chorus represents the community in a Greek drama
Also represents the “ideal” audience response to the action of the play
Often expresses things the main characters cannot say and provides insight for both audience and main characters
In older Greek Drama, there was only one main character and the chorus. By Sophocles’ time, more main actors are used and the chorus is more of a commentator. The chorus diminished in importance and significance as Greek Drama evolved but continued to be an important part of the presentation.

7. Rhythm Strophe and Antistrophe are mirror images of each other
Antistrophe is the answer to the Strophe
Each Strophe and Antistrophe pairing are like “mini-poems” in the play

8. Movement & Rhythm Strophe
Chorus moves from Left to Right as it chants or sings the Strophe
Antistrophe
Chorus moves from Right to Left as it chants or sings the Antistrophe

9. Questions
1) Find examples in the text that demonstrate character flaws in Oedipus – impatience, excessive pride (hubris), anger and rage, etc. Do you think Oedipus is being punished for his character flaws? For example, is he brought low because of his excessive pride?
2) To what extent is Oedipus a puppet of fate? Could he have possibly escaped his fate to kill his father and marry his mother? Why or why not? Use textual support in your answer.
3) If Oedipus is not merely a puppet of fate, than what is he? What is it about him and his story that continues to fascinate readers? Does Oedipus represent anything larger than himself, something we can still connect with today?
4) Look closely at the Strophe and Antistrophe sections of the play. What purpose do they serve?
These are on the back of their packet. They should answer all of them in their RJ.