An introduction to Oedipus and Antigone

1. Ancient Greek Theatre An introduction to Oedipus and Antigone

2. Origins of Theatre Theatre began with religious festivals in honor of Dionysus During the spring, they held a festival in Athens called City Dionysia Men would perform songs to welcome and honor Dionysus (these were called dithyrambs) Plays were only presented during this festival Chorus: group of about fifty who sang and danced Athenians spread these festivals to its allies in order to promote a common identity There were three t |ypes of plays: | |tragedy, comedy, and satyr|

3. Origins of Tragedy Thespis (6th century BC) Known as the “father of drama” Won a prize for tragedy in 535 B.C. Considered the first Greek actor and originator of tragedy Was said to have introduced the first actor and thus, dialogue Tragedy originally meant “Goat song,” possibly because goats were sacrificed to Dionysus prior to performances

4. Aristotle’s Poetics is the first known theory about Greek tragedy. He said tragedy evolved from dithyrambs, songs sung in praise of Dionysus Dithyrambs were originally frenzied and improvised By the 600s B.C., the poet Arion is credited with organizing the song into a formal narrative with a chorus Three main tragedy poets: Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides

5. Aeschylus 525-426 B.C. Most Famous Works: Oresteia Contributions: Added a second actor to the stage Create trilogies based on unified themes

6. Sophocles 496-406 B.C. Famous Works: Oedipus Cycle (Oedipus Rex, Antigone, Oedipus and Colonus) Contributions: Added a third actor to the stage Fixed the number of chorus to 15 Introduced painted scenery Created each play of a trilogy as separate in nature

7. Euripides 486-406 B.C. Famous Works: Medea, Electra Contributions: Reduced the participation of the Chorus in the main action on stage Relied on heavy prologues and deux ex machina endings Deus ex machina: literally, “god from the machine;” where an actor playing a god was lowered onto the stage using a crane. The gods were used to solve “unsolvable” problems at the end of the play.

8. Origins of Comedy There is no trace of the origin of comedy Comedic plays were derived from imitation Aristophanes wrote the majority of comedy plays 11 surviving plays by Aristophanes

9. The Theatre Structure Theatron: seeing place where audience sat Orchestra: Circular dancing place where actors and Chorus performed. Thymele: altar to Dionysus in center of orchestra. Skene: building used as a dressing room. Proskenion: front of skene building which served as backdrop Parados: entrance to theater used by Chorus.

10. Theatre (you should know this)

11. Actors Hypocrites- the answerer-playing roles Actor and dramatist originally the same-playwright took leading role Never have more than three-changed characters (protagonist, deuteragonist, tritagonist) All male performers; played female roles as well.

12. Costumes and Masks Long flowing robes were colored symbolically High boots, often with raised soles Larger than life masks, made of linen, wood, and/or cork Identified age, gender, and emotion Used exaggerated features, such as large eyes and an open mouth

13. Music and Dance Choral odes often had musical accompaniment: Flute Lyre Percussion Dance was defined as expressive rhythmical movement

14. Role of the Chorus To set the overall mood and express theme Add beauty to the play through song and dance Give background information Divides the action and offers reflection and commentary on events Questions, advises, and expresses opinion—usually through the chorus leader

15. Conventions of Theatre Unities Action- simple plot Time- single day Place- one scene throughout Messenger Tells news happening away from scene Report acts of violence not allowed to be seen Limitations of Theater Continuous presence of Chorus No intermissions, continuous flow of action and choral odes No lighting; no curtains