1. GREEK THEATRE An Introduction to tragedy

2. Basic Theatres were supported by public funds As many as 15,000 people attended theatre performances at the time Theatre was a way of interpreting their relationship with their Gods and of reinforcing their sense of community Theatre was a cultural necessity, not just a form of entertainment (much like going to church)

3. Thespis Credited with the invention of tragedy The great innovation attributed to Thespis was the creation of “dialogue”. He was supposedly the first actor to step out from the chorus. The word “Thespian” is derived from the name of this actor

4. Playwrights Our knowledge of Greek tragedy is based almost entirely on the works of 3 playwrights of the fifth century 1.Aeschylus 2.Sophocles 3.Euripides

5. Conventions of Greek Theatre 3 Actors who played all main characters (It started as 2 actors but Sophocles introduced the third actor) A set number of 15 chorus members (also set by Sophocles)

6. Actors of Greek Tragedy All were men All wore masks All actors played more than one role Much of the dialogue is sung or chanted Emotion of the voice was the tell of a good actor Gestures were stylized and choreographed

7. Chorus Adds dynamic energy to a play by creating visual spectacle Sets the overall mood of the play Serves as a character, giving advice, expressing opinions, asking questions, etc Can establish the ethical or social framework of events Serves as the IDEAL SPECTATOR, reacting to events the way the audience “should”

8. Aristotle’s Poetics Tragedy must have 6 parts that determine it’s quality: 1.Plot 2. Characters 3. Thought 4. Diction 5. Melody (Music) 6. Spectacle

9. Other Important Vocabulary Catharsis-The purging of emotion (tragedy should evoke this…like crying at a movie and feeling better afterwards) Hubris-Excessive Pride (tragic heroes have this) Hamartia-A tragic flaw that normally leads to the downfall of the protagonist