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Greek Theatre:

Greek Theatre: . Introduction to Antigone. Background Info…. Located in SE Europe Birthplace of Democracy, Western Philosophy and the Olympics Home of The Big Three: Euripides, Aeschylus, and Sophocles. The Theaters …. Particular theaters are still preserved (and used!) today.

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Greek Theatre:

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  1. Greek Theatre: Introduction to Antigone

  2. Background Info… • Located in SE Europe • Birthplace of Democracy, Western Philosophy and the Olympics • Home of The Big Three: Euripides, Aeschylus, and Sophocles

  3. The Theaters… • Particular theaters are still preserved (and used!) today. • Some theaters could hold upwards of 20,000 people. • Theaters were built to fit the terrain. *The Theater of Epidauros is the best preserved and largest surviving theater today.

  4. Left: Theater of Dionysos -- Located in Athens -- Main stage for Tragedy -- Remains are from the 4th century Right: Theater of Pergamon -- Located in Turkey -- Extremely steep seating -- Pergamon was one of the wealthiest Asian cities

  5. The Parts of the Theatre… • The Orchestra • The acting area • Semi-circular • Where the Chorus danced and the actors spoke • The Skene • The large backdrop • Could be decorated • Where the Action took place • The Theatron • Where the spectators sat • Usually part of a hillside • Marble seats by the 4th century many theaters had marble seats • The Parodos • Passageways where the chorus/actors made their entrance/exit • Used by the audience as well

  6. Greek Terminology… • Chorus: 12-15 elders (men) in the play • To provide background information for the audience • To talk and give advice to the main characters • To interpret important events that occur in drama • Choragos (kor-a-gus): The leader of the chorus • Ode: Indicates the end of a scene; also provides the chorus’ response to the proceeding scene

  7. Greek Terminology… • Lyric Poem: Verse that focuses on emotions/thoughts • Protagonist – The chief actor; the central or primary personal figure. The character that we root for. • Antagonist – The character who opposes the protagonist. The character we love to hate.

  8. Sophocles • b. 496 – d. 406 B.C. • Served as a general and was very active in city politics • Wrote his first tragedy (and won his first 1st prize) in 468 • The most famous playwright of The Big Three.

  9. Sophocles • Introduced the third actor • Wrote over 120 plays (7 survive today) • Increased dialogue between actors • Famous plays include Oedipus Rex, Oedipus at Colonus, andAntigone • Defeated Aeschylus at the Festival of Dionysus under the “Best Tragedy” category • Tragedies were focused on the search for truth and self-understanding

  10. Greek Tragedy: • Focused on the suffering of a major character and ends in disaster. • Tragedies were usually part of a trilogy based on myths familiar to the ancient Greeks. • The Tragic Hero: • A figure with whom the audience can identify so his fate can trigger emotions of pity and fear. • Possesses a flaw in his character that causes his downfall

  11. Greek Tragedy (AKA Rock Concert)… • “The audience knew every number by heart…” • Most tragedies dealt with mythological themes • “Performers wore high heels, loud costumes, and heavy make-up…” • They wore elaborate outfits, tall boots, and masks • “They relied on background singers , known as the Chorus.” • Especially after the introduction of the third actor

  12. Elements of Greek Theatre… • Hubris: Excessive pride or self-confidence often resulting in fatal retribution. • In Ancient Greece, hubris was often referred to actions taken to shame a victim, therefore making oneself seem superior • Fate: The development of events outside of one’s control, determined by a supernatural power. • Greeks believed that their lives were planned out by the Gods and there was no escaping their destiny • Dramatic Irony: When a character’s words/actions are clear to the audience but not to the other characters.

  13. Elements of Tragedy Cont’d… • The protagonist is pitted against forces beyond his or her control. • The protagonist, although defeated, usually gains wisdom, self-awareness, or nobility. • Protagonist makes decisions that lead to a “no-win” situation. • Always revolves around a very serious subject.

  14. Elements of Greek Theatre: Masks • Most Important feature • All parts by men, so mask depicted gender • Acted as a megaphone • Voice inflection extremely important • Multiple Masks = Multiple Characters • Only 3 actors • More than 3 characters

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