Ancient Greek TheatreThis is where the paper trail begins.

The part in square brackets will not appear on the test. It is up to the individual student whether he or she writes these notes down.

I. Ancient Greeks

A. No records of actual beginning

1. Probably evolved out of hymns (dithrambs) honoring Dionysus, god of wine & fertility, sung by men dressed as satyrs

After his own mother Semele was killed, Dionysus father Zeus placed the fetus in his thigh until he was ready to be born. Dionysus was then raised by nymphs, with satyrs for his companions and playmates.From the nymphs, Dionysus learned the art of making wine, and he gave this secret to humankind, angering the gods.

Dionysus was the last god to be added to Mount Olympus

More Depictions of Dionysus in Greek Art

Pan is probably the best known Satyr.In this modern picture, he is depicted with his pipes, Pan pipes.

2. First prize for tragedy awarded to Thespis [534 B.C.E.]

All 44 extant plays from Athens City Dionysia festival

4. Poor given tickets by state

Actors

1. All male

2. Paid by state [although production costs were paid by choragus, who trained chorus]

3. Exempt from military service

Depictions of actors in vase paintings

Production & performance

1. Audience sat in amphitheatre [The Greek word theatron means to see]

2. Chorus performed in orchestra (dancing place)

Theatre of Dionysus, AthensGreek theatres were made of wood. Romans did the stone work.

Two views of the Theatre at Delphi

Theatre at Epidaurus

Epidaurus

Plays are still presented in the Theatre at Epidaurus. Above a set is being loaded in.

Near Taormina in Sicily

Actors never more than 3 performed on the skene

a. Originally a costume/prop hut

b. Later raised, with steps in front

Ivory statuette of a tragic actor wearing mask and cothurni, platform shoes that made him appear larger than a normal human being Masks worn by all actors

Ekkyklema wagon on which effects of violence were displayed

Mechane crane used to raise & lower supernatural beings

[The Romans called this the deus ex machina. Deus ex machina is now used as a literary term. When a writer introduces a brand new character at the end of a story to bring about a swift conclusion, he has used a deus ex machina.]

D. Plays1. Tragedya. Name from tragos (goat) & ode (song)b. Plot from myths & legendsc. Purpose: edification

d. Tragic hero, as defined by Aristotle in Poetics-- A little better than average-- Makes mistake through error or lack of judgement-- Realizes & admits error-- Accepts punishment

e. Pity & fear = catharsis for audience

Satyr play

a. Purpose: comic relief after trilogy of tragedies

b. Chorus dressed as satyrs

c. Outrageous parodies of tragedies

3. Comedya. Last to developb. Purpose: humorous commentary on current events & people