Ancient Greek Theatre

1. Ancient Greek Theatre This is where the paper trail begins.

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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.

6. Dionysus was the last god to be added to Mount Olympus

7. More Depictions of Dionysus in Greek Art

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

10. 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

11. Actors • 1. All male • 2. Paid by state [although • production costs were paid by • choragus, who trained chorus] • 3. Exempt from military service

12. Depictions of actors in vase paintings

13. Production & performance • 1. Audience sat in amphitheatre • [The Greek word “theatron” means “to see”] • 2. Chorus performed in orchestra • (“dancing place”)

14. Theatre of Dionysus, Athens Greek theatres were made of wood. Romans did the stone work.

15. Two views of the Theatre at Delphi

17. Theatre at Epidaurus

18. Epidaurus

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

20. Near Taormina in Sicily

21. Actors – never more than 3 – • performed on the skene • a. Originally a costume/prop hut • b. Later raised, with steps in front

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

23. 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.]

24. D. Plays 1. Tragedy a. Name from tragos (goat) & ode (song) b. Plot from myths & legends c. Purpose: edification

25. 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

26. e. Pity & fear = catharsis for audience

27. Satyr play • a. Purpose: comic relief after • trilogy of tragedies • b. Chorus dressed as satyrs • c. Outrageous parodies of • tragedies

28. 3. Comedy a. Last to develop b. Purpose: humorous commentary on current events & people