Greek Theater & the Oedipus Myth

Greek Theater & the Oedipus Myth

Greek Theater • Always had a consistent format: • Opens with a prologue (exposition) which introduces the background so you know the conflict • Chorus then sang a parados (opening song) • The first scene follows and the play continues

The Chorus • The chorus’s song (called an ode) served the same purpose that a curtain does now • Central to production of plays and is important for understanding the play • Choragos (leader of the Chorus) exchanges thoughts with the group in dialogue • The group recites from right to left singing the strophe • Then, the dialogue rotates from left to right, which is called the antistrophe.

The Chorus (cont.) • Epode • Included in some odes as a kind of final stanza • Paean • Toward the conclusion of a play • Thanksgiving to Dionysus (god of wine) • Exodos • Final exiting scene

Sophocles • Sophocles wrote 3 tragedies about the royal family of Thebes • The three plays were: • Oedipus the King • Oedipus atColonus • Antigone

The Oedipus Myth • Abandoned at Birth • Laius (Theban king) and his wife Jocastawere Oedipus’ parents • A fortuneteller said that Oedipus would kill his father and marry his mother, so they gave Oedipus to a servant. • The servant was supposed to take Oedipus to a mountaintop and ensure he died. • The servant felt bad for Oedipus, so instead gave him to a childless couple in a distant village – they were never to speak of the adoption.

Married Laius Jocasta Oedipus

Married Laius Jocasta Polyneices Married Eteocles Oedipus Ismene Antigone

Greek Theater & the Oedipus Myth