Greek and Roman Greek and Roman TheatreTheatre

A look into theatre’s historyA look into theatre’s history

Dramatic LiteratureDramatic Literature

Miss Powell/2008Miss Powell/2008

The GreeksThe Greeks Twenty-five hundred years ago, two thousand years before Twenty-five hundred years ago, two thousand years before

Shakespeare, Western theatre was born in Athens, Greece. Shakespeare, Western theatre was born in Athens, Greece. Between 600 and 200 BC, the ancient Athenians created a Between 600 and 200 BC, the ancient Athenians created a

theatre culture whose form, technique and terminology theatre culture whose form, technique and terminology have lasted two millennia, and they created plays that are have lasted two millennia, and they created plays that are still considered among the greatest works of world drama. still considered among the greatest works of world drama.

Their achievement is truly remarkable when one considers Their achievement is truly remarkable when one considers that there have been only two other periods in the history that there have been only two other periods in the history of theatre that could be said to approach the greatness of of theatre that could be said to approach the greatness of ancient Athens - Elizabethan England and, perhaps the ancient Athens - Elizabethan England and, perhaps the Twentieth Century. Twentieth Century.

The greatest playwright of Elizabethan England was The greatest playwright of Elizabethan England was Shakespeare, but Athens produced at least five equally Shakespeare, but Athens produced at least five equally great playwrights. The Twentieth Century produced great playwrights. The Twentieth Century produced thousands of fine plays and films, but their form and often thousands of fine plays and films, but their form and often their content are based on the innovations of the ancient their content are based on the innovations of the ancient Athenians. Athenians.

Map of Ancient GreeceMap of Ancient Greece

Dio-who???Dio-who???

The theatre of Ancient Greece evolved from The theatre of Ancient Greece evolved from religious rites which date back to at least religious rites which date back to at least 1200 BC. 1200 BC.

In northern Greece, in an area called In northern Greece, in an area called Thrace, a cult arose that worshipped Thrace, a cult arose that worshipped Dionysus, the god of wine, fertility and Dionysus, the god of wine, fertility and procreation. This Cult of Dionysus, which procreation. This Cult of Dionysus, which probably originated in Asia Minor, practiced probably originated in Asia Minor, practiced ritual celebrations which may have included ritual celebrations which may have included libation, promiscuous activities, human and libation, promiscuous activities, human and animal sacrifices, and comedic storytelling.animal sacrifices, and comedic storytelling.

Dio-who???Dio-who??? The cult's most controversial practice involved, it is The cult's most controversial practice involved, it is

believed, uninhibited dancing and emotional displays that believed, uninhibited dancing and emotional displays that created an altered mental state. This altered state was created an altered mental state. This altered state was known as 'ecstasis', from which the word ecstasy is derived. known as 'ecstasis', from which the word ecstasy is derived. Dionysiac, hysteria and 'catharsis' also derive from Greek Dionysiac, hysteria and 'catharsis' also derive from Greek words for emotional release or purification. Ecstasy was an words for emotional release or purification. Ecstasy was an important religious concept to the Greeks, who would come important religious concept to the Greeks, who would come to see theatre as a way of releasing powerful emotions to see theatre as a way of releasing powerful emotions through its ritual power. through its ritual power.

Though it met with resistance, the cult spread south Though it met with resistance, the cult spread south through the tribes of Greece over the ensuing six centuries. through the tribes of Greece over the ensuing six centuries. During this time, the rites of Dionysus became mainstream During this time, the rites of Dionysus became mainstream and more formalized and symbolic. The death of a tragic and more formalized and symbolic. The death of a tragic hero was offered up to god and man rather than the hero was offered up to god and man rather than the sacrifice of say, a goat. By 600 BC these ceremonies were sacrifice of say, a goat. By 600 BC these ceremonies were practiced in spring throughout much of Greece. practiced in spring throughout much of Greece.

The DithyrambThe Dithyramb•An essential part of the rites of Dionysus was the dithyramb. The word means 'choric hymn'.

•This chant or hymn was probably introduced into Greece early accompanied by mimic gestures and, probably, music. It began as a part of a purely religious ceremony, like a hymn in the middle of a mass describing the adventures of Dionysus.

•In its earliest form it was lead off by the leader of a band of revelers, a group of dancers, probably dressed as satyrs dancing around an altar.

Dithyramb…Dithyramb…• The hymn was performed by a chorus of about fifty men

dressed as satyrs -- mythological half-human, half- goat servants of Dionysus.

• They played drums, lyres and flutes, and chanted as they danced around a statue of Dionysus.

• Introduced into Athens shortly before 500 BC, dithyramb was soon recognized as one of the competitive subjects at the various Athenian festivals.

• For more than a generation after its introduction the dithyramb attracted the most famous poets of the day. By this time, however, it had ceased to concern itself exclusively with the adventures of Dionysus and begun to choose its subjects from all periods of Greek mythology.

• Over time the dithyramb would evolve into stories in 'play' form: drama.

What are thespians? What are thespians? In about 600 BC, Arion of Mehtymna (Corinth) In about 600 BC, Arion of Mehtymna (Corinth)

wrote down formal lyrics for the dithyramb. wrote down formal lyrics for the dithyramb. Some time during the next 75 years, Thespis of Some time during the next 75 years, Thespis of

Attica added an actor who interacted with the Attica added an actor who interacted with the chorus. chorus.

This actor was called the protagonist, from which This actor was called the protagonist, from which the modern word protagonist is derived, meaning the modern word protagonist is derived, meaning the main character of a drama. the main character of a drama.

Records give credit to Thespis, and even gives him Records give credit to Thespis, and even gives him a date; he is said to have performed Athens about a date; he is said to have performed Athens about 534 BC. 534 BC.

Whether this is true of not, his name has achieved Whether this is true of not, his name has achieved immortality in theatrical jargon - 'actors' and immortality in theatrical jargon - 'actors' and 'Thespians' are synonymous. 'Thespians' are synonymous.

““All the world’s a stage!”All the world’s a stage!”

In 534 BC, Dionysian In 534 BC, Dionysian Festivals were Festivals were changed to drama changed to drama competitions. competitions.

Thespis is said to have Thespis is said to have won the first won the first competition in 534 BC. competition in 534 BC. In the ensuing 50 In the ensuing 50 years, the years, the competitions became competitions became popular annual popular annual events. events.

AmphitheatersAmphitheaters

During this time, major theatres were constructed, During this time, major theatres were constructed, notably the theatre at Delphi, the Attic Theatre, and notably the theatre at Delphi, the Attic Theatre, and the Theatre of Dionysus in Athens. the Theatre of Dionysus in Athens.

The Theatre of Dionysus, built at the foot of the The Theatre of Dionysus, built at the foot of the Acropolis in Athens, could seat 17,000 people. Acropolis in Athens, could seat 17,000 people.

During their heyday, the competitions drew as During their heyday, the competitions drew as many as 30,000 spectators. The words theatre and many as 30,000 spectators. The words theatre and amphitheatre derive from the Greek word theatron, amphitheatre derive from the Greek word theatron, which referred to the wooden spectator stands which referred to the wooden spectator stands erected on those hillsides.erected on those hillsides.

Similarly, the word orchestra is derived from the Similarly, the word orchestra is derived from the Greek word for a platform between the raised stage Greek word for a platform between the raised stage and the audience on which the chorus was situated. and the audience on which the chorus was situated.

AmphitheatersAmphitheaters

Showtime!Showtime!

Plays were performed in the daytime. Plays were performed in the daytime. The annual drama competitions in Athens were The annual drama competitions in Athens were

spread over several, entire days. spread over several, entire days. Actors probably wore little or no makeup. Instead, Actors probably wore little or no makeup. Instead,

they carried masks with exaggerated facial they carried masks with exaggerated facial expressions. expressions.

They also wore cothornos, or buskins, which were They also wore cothornos, or buskins, which were leather boots laced up to the knees. leather boots laced up to the knees.

There was little or no scenery. There was little or no scenery. Initially, most of the action took place in the Initially, most of the action took place in the

orchestra. orchestra. Later, as the importance shifted from the chorus to Later, as the importance shifted from the chorus to

the characters, the action moved to the stage. the characters, the action moved to the stage.

Costumes and SceneryCostumes and Scenery

CostumesCostumes

The parts of the theaterThe parts of the theater

OrchestraOrchestra: The orchestra (literally, "dancing : The orchestra (literally, "dancing space") was normally circular. It was a level space") was normally circular. It was a level space where the chorus would dance, sing, space where the chorus would dance, sing, and interact with the actors who were on the and interact with the actors who were on the stage near the skene. The earliest stage near the skene. The earliest orchestras were simply made of hard earth, orchestras were simply made of hard earth, but in the Classical period some orchestras but in the Classical period some orchestras began to be paved with marble and other began to be paved with marble and other materials. In the center of the orchestra materials. In the center of the orchestra there was often a thymele, or altar. The there was often a thymele, or altar. The orchestra of the theater of Dionysus in orchestra of the theater of Dionysus in Athens was about 60 feet in diameter.Athens was about 60 feet in diameter.

The OrchestraThe Orchestra

The parts of the theaterThe parts of the theater

TheatronTheatron: The theatron (literally, : The theatron (literally, "viewing-place") is where the "viewing-place") is where the spectators sat. The theatron was spectators sat. The theatron was usually part of hillside overlooking the usually part of hillside overlooking the orchestra, and often wrapped around a orchestra, and often wrapped around a large portion of the orchestra (see the large portion of the orchestra (see the diagram above). Spectators in the fifth diagram above). Spectators in the fifth century BC probably sat on cushions or century BC probably sat on cushions or boards, but by the fourth century the boards, but by the fourth century the theatron of many Greek theaters had theatron of many Greek theaters had marble seats.marble seats.

The theatronThe theatron

The parts of the theater…The The parts of the theater…The SkeneSkene

Most of the surviving plays also make use of a building, the Most of the surviving plays also make use of a building, the skene (tent or hut) or scene building. skene (tent or hut) or scene building.

This was used as a changing-room for actors and as a This was used as a changing-room for actors and as a sounding board, but also served to represent the palace or sounding board, but also served to represent the palace or house in front of which most plays are set. house in front of which most plays are set.

Chiefly actors made entrances on horse-drawn chariots. Chiefly actors made entrances on horse-drawn chariots. The roof of the building could be used as an acting area, for The roof of the building could be used as an acting area, for watchmen, gods and others. watchmen, gods and others.

There is some oblique suggestion in two texts of the period There is some oblique suggestion in two texts of the period that permanent screens with architectural images were that permanent screens with architectural images were used, not sets for specific plays, but permanent fixtures. used, not sets for specific plays, but permanent fixtures.

It is conceivable, too, that there was some rather It is conceivable, too, that there was some rather underground passage, allowing ghosts to appear from underground passage, allowing ghosts to appear from below. below.

The SkeneThe Skene

Parts of the theaterParts of the theater

ParodosParodos: The parodoi (literally, : The parodoi (literally, "passageways") are the paths by "passageways") are the paths by which the chorus and some actors which the chorus and some actors (such as those representing (such as those representing messengers or people returning from messengers or people returning from abroad) made their entrances and abroad) made their entrances and exits. The audience also used them exits. The audience also used them to enter and exit the theater before to enter and exit the theater before and after the performance.and after the performance.

The ParadosThe Parados

Skenes and ScenerySkenes and Scenery

Special FXSpecial FX The sun provided lighting.The sun provided lighting. Torches were used, more as properties in order to heighten Torches were used, more as properties in order to heighten

the power of the appearance of certain passages or characters, the power of the appearance of certain passages or characters, the furies, for example. the furies, for example.

The actor was dwarfed by his surroundings. The actor was dwarfed by his surroundings. Tiny movements and the nuance of facial expression used by Tiny movements and the nuance of facial expression used by

modern actors would have been invisible to the audience. modern actors would have been invisible to the audience. Gestures had to be large and sweeping and costumes had to be Gestures had to be large and sweeping and costumes had to be large and flowing in order to allow free, athletic movement, and large and flowing in order to allow free, athletic movement, and to make a strong visual impression upon the audience. to make a strong visual impression upon the audience.

As facial expression would have been lost beyond the first few As facial expression would have been lost beyond the first few rows, masks were used. They were broadly and simply rows, masks were used. They were broadly and simply designed to be visible a long way off. designed to be visible a long way off.

The principal traits of the characters portrayed could be The principal traits of the characters portrayed could be expressed in the mask, and a simple convention arose whereby expressed in the mask, and a simple convention arose whereby types of character had their own types of mask. types of character had their own types of mask.

Stereotypical character originated and have since been used in Stereotypical character originated and have since been used in theatre around the world.theatre around the world.

Greek MasksGreek Masks

Stock CharactersStock Characters The Insincere Man (Eironeia) The Insincere Man (Eironeia) The Flatterer (Kolakeia) The Flatterer (Kolakeia) The Garrulous Man (Adoleschia) The Garrulous Man (Adoleschia) The Boor (Agroikia) The Boor (Agroikia) The Complaisant Man (Areskeia) The Complaisant Man (Areskeia) The Man without Moral Feeling (Aponoia) The Man without Moral Feeling (Aponoia) The Talkative Man (Lalia) The Talkative Man (Lalia) The Fabricator (Logopoiia) The Fabricator (Logopoiia) The Shamelessly Greedy Man (Anaischuntia) The Shamelessly Greedy Man (Anaischuntia) The Pennypincher (Mikrologia) The Pennypincher (Mikrologia)

Stock CharactersStock Characters The Offensive Man (Bdeluria) The Offensive Man (Bdeluria) The Hapless Man (Akairia) The Hapless Man (Akairia) The Officious Man (Periergia) The Officious Man (Periergia) The Absent-Minded Man (Anaisthesia) The Absent-Minded Man (Anaisthesia) The Unsociable Man (Authadeia) The Unsociable Man (Authadeia) The Superstitious Man (Deisidaimonia) The Superstitious Man (Deisidaimonia) The Faultfinder (Mempsimoiria) The Faultfinder (Mempsimoiria) The Suspicious Man (Apistia) The Suspicious Man (Apistia) The Repulsive Man (Duschereia) The Repulsive Man (Duschereia) The Unpleasant Man (Aedia) The Unpleasant Man (Aedia) The Man of Petty Ambition (Mikrophilotimia) The Man of Petty Ambition (Mikrophilotimia) The Stingy Man (Aneleutheria) The Stingy Man (Aneleutheria) The Show-Off (Alazoneia) The Show-Off (Alazoneia)

Stock CharactersStock Characters

The Arrogant Man (Huperephania) The Arrogant Man (Huperephania) The Coward (Deilia) The Coward (Deilia) The Oligarchical Man (Oligarchia) The Oligarchical Man (Oligarchia) The Late Learner (Opsimathia) The Late Learner (Opsimathia) The Slanderer (Kakologia) The Slanderer (Kakologia) The Lover of Bad Company The Lover of Bad Company

(Philoponeria) (Philoponeria) The Basely Covetous Man The Basely Covetous Man

(Aischrokerdeia) (Aischrokerdeia)

““Let me entertain you…”Let me entertain you…”

The ancient Greek theatre consisted of The ancient Greek theatre consisted of loud music, bright colors, and extensive loud music, bright colors, and extensive dancing. Their plays showed: dancing. Their plays showed:

violence and daily life violence and daily life social and ethical plays social and ethical plays war war murder murder lust lust betrayal betrayal

Parts of a PlayParts of a Play

An ancient Greek play consisted of An ancient Greek play consisted of three major parts:three major parts:The play began with a prologue, a The play began with a prologue, a

simple speech. simple speech. Then, there was the entrance of the Then, there was the entrance of the

chorus. chorus. Finally, there were major episodes, Finally, there were major episodes,

scenes or acts, of the play. scenes or acts, of the play.

Types of Greek PlaysTypes of Greek Plays

There were two major types of Greek There were two major types of Greek plays:plays:There was tragedy, which was derived from There was tragedy, which was derived from

the word tragos and means goat. the word tragos and means goat. A tragedy received its name from how it was A tragedy received its name from how it was

performed. A tragedy had actors who wore performed. A tragedy had actors who wore goatskins and danced like goats. The best goatskins and danced like goats. The best performers were given a kid goat as a prizeperformers were given a kid goat as a prize

The other one was comedy, which was The other one was comedy, which was derived from the word ode and means song. derived from the word ode and means song.

Greek ComedyGreek Comedy

Our first play…Our first play…

““Aulularia” ( The Pot of Gold) was Aulularia” ( The Pot of Gold) was written by Roman playwright, Titus written by Roman playwright, Titus Maccius Plautus.Maccius Plautus.

Throughout time the end of the play Throughout time the end of the play was lost…was lost…

We as the readers get to decide how We as the readers get to decide how the characters shall end their story!!the characters shall end their story!!

Greek ComedyGreek Comedy

Structure of the Comedy:Structure of the Comedy: Part One:Part One: prolog - chorus gives debate or "prolog - chorus gives debate or "agonagon" over merits " over merits

of the ides of the ides parabasisparabasis - a choral ode addressing the audience, - a choral ode addressing the audience,

in which a social or political problem in discussed in which a social or political problem in discussed Part Two:Part Two: scenes show the result of the happy idea final scene: scenes show the result of the happy idea final scene:

((komoskomos) - all reconcile and exit to feast or revelry) - all reconcile and exit to feast or revelryin 404 B.C., Athens was defeated in the in 404 B.C., Athens was defeated in the Peloponnesian War; social and political satire Peloponnesian War; social and political satire declines. declines.

““Aulularia”Aulularia”

A pot of gold, an unmarried daughter, a planned marriage, and an unplanned pregnancy! How will our play end?

Questions…Questions…

1.1. Where did the term thespians originate?Where did the term thespians originate?

2.2. What festival started dramatic activities What festival started dramatic activities prior to the creation of a play?prior to the creation of a play?

3.3. What style of theater is used in Greek What style of theater is used in Greek drama?drama?

4.4. What is significant about costumes in What is significant about costumes in Greek drama?Greek drama?

5.5. Briefly describe the use of the stage.Briefly describe the use of the stage.

QuestionsQuestions

6.6. List three stock characters used in List three stock characters used in Greek drama.Greek drama.

7.7. Why did stock characters originate?Why did stock characters originate?8.8. What are the three main parts of a What are the three main parts of a

Greek theater?Greek theater?9.9. How did actors typically enter the How did actors typically enter the

stage?stage?10.10. Around what year do our records Around what year do our records

date back informing us of the first date back informing us of the first days of Greek drama?days of Greek drama?

The End!The End!