1. Quickie Greek Drama Details

2. Early Classical Plays One actor Minimal or non-existent sets/scenery
Use of chorus (approx. 50 people)
Chorus members (non-singing) explain changes in setting, fill in details, comment
Playwright was often the author, director, choreographer, musical composer, leading actor

3. Classical Plays Mostly discussion and narration
No blood and gore (this sort of stuff “happened” offstage)
Lacking in illusion or stage realism
Imagination is the key
Lofty moral themes
Part of religious festivals, held three times a year—contests

4. Masks
In both tragedy and comedy, all actors since the 5th century wore masks at all times
The mask covered the entire head, included the appropriate hairstyle, beard, ornaments and other features
Made of a hardened linen-like material (think papier-mache), or wood or cork.
No existing examples.

5. Philosopher
Warrior
Dionysus

6. Masks Masks were worn for four reasons: 1. Visibility:
Performers would play for an audience of 14,000, so it was difficult for everyone to see.
The masks had exaggerated features to help actors be seen and emotions understood.

8. Masks Masks were worn for four reasons: 2. Acoustic Assistance:
Some masks had a small megaphone-like device inside the mouth.

9. Masks Masks were worn for four reasons: 3. Few Actors, Many Roles:
Each play had few actors, but many different roles. Masks helped actors change characters instantly.

10. Masks Masks were worn for four reasons: 4. Characterization:
Masks had to represent the outstanding features & personality of the characters

11. Aristotle’s Poetics
Tragedy is an imitation of action, both serious and complete.
There must be a catharsis, instilling fear and pity.
catharsis—an emotional outpouring; getting everything off your chest in one big ole screamfest.

12. Aristotle’s Poetics—Elements of Tragedy
1. Plot: action of the play

13. Aristotle’s Poetics—Elements of Tragedy
Plot
Thought: emotions and feelings of the characters

14. Aristotle’s Poetics—Elements of Tragedy
Plot
Thought
Characters: inhabitants of the play

15. Aristotle’s Poetics—Elements of Tragedy
Plot
Thought
Characters
Diction: speech and dialogue of the characters

16. Aristotle’s Poetics—Elements of Tragedy
Plot
Thought
Characters
Diction
Song: rhythm of the play

17. Aristotle’s Poetics—Elements of Tragedy
Plot
Thought
Characters
Diction
Song:
Spectacle: technical aspects, such as lighting, sound, props

18. Aristotle’s Poetics—The Unities
Time: the entire story takes place from sunup to sundown—one day
(There may be a backstory that occurred before the events of the play, but only the events surrounding the climax of the story are highlighted.)

19. Aristotle’s Poetics—The Unities
Time
Place: one location only

20. Aristotle’s Poetics—The Unities
Time
Place
Action: only one central story or action; eliminates action not relevant to the plot

21. Greek Playwrights: The Big Four

22. Plays
Info
Name
Date

23. Aeschylus (525-456 BC) One of the most influential ground-breakers:
Increased # of actors from 1 to 2
Involved the chorus more in the action
Emphasized the dialogue
Wrote over 90 plays—mostly tragedies—only 7 survived.
Agamemnon—back from Trojan war; murder, adultery, responsibility, Will of Heaven.

26. Sophocles ( BC)
Was 1st an actor, but with his 1st play, defeated Aeschylus
Added the 3rd actor, invented painted scenery
Less formal, more realistic
Wrote >120 plays, only 7 have survived.
Oedipus the King—killed his father, married his mother. Human responsibility, dignity, fate.

29. Euripides ( BC)
Ignored by the judges because his free-thinking and pacifist views were not popular.
Unhappy life is reflected in plays.
Began to incorporate humor, examine human psyche and emotions.
Brought the common man, his life, and his language to the stage.
Medea

32. Aristophanes (450-380 BC) Wrote the only surviving comedies
Plays marked by wit, invention, skillful use of language
Satirical, sophisticated, obscene
Criticized politics of his time
11 if his 40 plays survived
Lysistrata—Sparta & Athens at war; women withhold sex to make men stop fighting