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Greek Tragedy Elements of Greek Tragedy • Began as a religious festival to god of wine and fertility, Dionysus Dionysus (Bacchus), god of wine and revelry Plays depicted serious and important events • Portrayed a tragic hero whose flaw is excess pride (hubris) but changes, gaining a new self-awareness • Playwrights were considered teachers, offering plays for moral and ethical improvement of his fellow citizens Aristotle’s Definition of a Tragic Hero Important and Influential Man Commits an Error in Judgment Suffers Due to Error in Judgment Serves as an Example to Others Sophocles • 496?—406 BC • One of the greatest dramatists of ancient Greece -- introduced painted scenery – made each play of a trilogy separate in nature (each play could stand alone) • Oedipus Rex • Oedipus on Colunus • Antigone – Antigone considered one of the finest examples of classical Greek tragedy The Stories • Written as trilogies • Showed what happened to a person who went against the laws or will of the gods • Taught man that excessive pride (hubris) led to suffering and then to understanding (catharsis) of man’s place in life Structure of Greek Tragedy • Prologue—gives background information • Parodos—sung by chorus as it enters •Episodes/Scenes—main action of play •Odes—song that reflects on action of the episodes and weaves plot into a whole •Paean—prayer of thanksgiving to Dionysos •Exodus—words of wisdom sung by chorus The Chorus • Music and Dance – music: flute, lyre, drums – dance: expressive rhythmic movements • Function of the Chorus – – – – – sets overall mood and expresses theme adds beauty through song and dance gives background information divides action and offers reflection on events questions, advises, expresses opinion (usually through Chorus leader, “Choragos”) Actors and Acting • Exceptionally loud and clear voices; often sang • Slow deliberate actions • Costumes and Masks – long, flowing robes (colored symbolically) – high boots with raised soles to give large appearance – large masks made of wood, linen, cork • identified age, gender, emotion • exaggerated features (eyes, open mouth) Actors and Acting • The playwright took the leading role • All male performers (played female roles too) • Never more than 3 actors (changed characters) – protagonist, deuteragonist, tritagonist Conventions of Greek Theatre • Aristotle’s Unities – – – • The Messenger (sentry) – – • action (simple plot) time (single day) place (one scene throughout) tells news happening away from the scene reports acts of violence not allowed to be seen Limitations of the Theatre – – – the Chorus is constantly on the stage no intermission no lighting, no curtains Greek Theater • Semi-circular outdoor stadium in a hollowed out hillside • Seated 15,000-20,000 audience members