Download Ancient Greek Theatre

Think of a no-win situation in which
you (or someone) would be forced to
choose between the “lesser of two
evils.” Outline the situation in a few
complete sentences and examine how
one would choose which of the
alternatives was the BEST. Conclude
by suggesting possible consequences
for your choice.
Greek God of Wine
and Harvest
 Greek theater
originally celebrated
him
 People attended yearly
festivals honoring
Dionysus (about
15,000) called the City
Dionysia
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Three tragic poets were chosen to present a tetralogy (a group of
four plays), three tragedies and a satyr play. Early in the 5th
century BC, these would have formed a trilogy. Later, they were
usually self-contained dramas. Winners were selected by judges.
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All actors were men, regardless of the role.
Never more than 3 actors in any scene.
Wore masks to indicate the nature of the
characters played. These masks also served
as megaphones to project their voices.
The chorus (12-15 men) who periodically sang
songs during the performance and between
scenes
Violence and death are off stage
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They provided time for scene
changes, introduced background
and summary information.
Their dance and chanting provided
the visionary experience that
separated audience from the actor
and the essence of tragedy.
Ideal spectator: reacts as the
audience should. Asks questions,
takes part in the play
Heightens dramatic effect through
movement, song and dance
Rhythmical Function-pauses/paces
the action so audience can reflect
and actors can rest/prepare
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Most tragedies were based on myth, but the
background would have been known well by
the audience.
The hero faces a situation where any action
or lack of action would result in punishment
Sometimes it is the protagonist’s (1st actor)
own fault due to hubris (arrogant pride)
Of the hundreds of Greek tragedies written,
fewer than 35 survive.
The Father of Greek Tragedy
He introduced the 2nd actor (previously the actor
had simply interacted with the chorus) so there
could be conflict.
He won 13 first place awards in City Dionysia.
The Persians
The Oresteia (a trilogy)
•
Agamemnon
• The Libation Bearers
• The Eumenides
Prometheus Bound
525-456 B.C.
The only connected
trilogy that survives.
 This trilogy traces the
story of the House of
Atreus from
Agamemnon's murder
by his wife after his
return from Troy to the
acquittal of his son,
Orestes, who killed his
mother in revenge.
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Most Awarded Playwright – won 24
competitions and never worse than
second place.
Added a third actor and thereby reduced the
importance of the chorus in the presentation of
the plot.
Antigone
Oedipus the King
496-406 B.C.
By far the greatest part
of happiness is plain
good sense. Right
treatment of the gods
is all-important.
Boastful words, spoken
by boastful people,
bring no good: Great
blows will always fall
upon the proud, and in
the end these mighty
blows bring wisdom.
Portrayed strong female characters
and intelligent slaves. He also
satirized mythological heroes.
Only won 5 competitions due to his unpopularity
among Athenians because of his radical themes.
Medea (Describes how a mother kills her
children to gain revenge against their
father)
480-406 B.C.
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Most surviving comedies come from one
playwright, Aristophanes.
Most comedies were about current events
(Think Saturday Night Live) which might
explain why they didn’t stand the test of time
The Wasps (actors wear wasp costumes as they
play jurors showing how juries (especially
Athenian ones) can sting painfully.)
The Birds (some people get fed up with Athens,
so they grow wings and set up a new society in
the sky, called Cloudcuckooland.)
Lysistrata (women all over Greece go on strike.
They seize the acropolis and refuse to have
anything to do with their husbands until men
agree to end the Peloponnesian War.)
446-386 B.C.
If you are up to the challenge, compose a brief
“Greek Tragedy” in which the major theme is the
one you laid out in your preview. Remember you
will have no more than 3 characters per scene.
Also, separate each scene with a brief lyrical
song (short poem) to be sung by the chorus.
Visit http://artsedge.kennedycenter.org/greece/theater/index.html for help.