Greek Theatre

1. Greek Theatre • Ms. Ford • University High School • Western Civilizations

2. Ancient Greek Theatre • Flourished from 550-220 BCE, mostly in the city of Athens. • Was part of the festival for Dionysus. • Significant and sustained impact on Western culture.

3. Tragedy • Usually had a leading actor rise in arrogance and fall in despair • His insulting behavior merits a punishment • Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides • Typically, a playwright submitted 3 tragedies and 1 satyr for competition

4. Comedy • From “comoi” which means entertainment, amusing • Was supposed to be a mockery of people and situations and a criticism of corruption • The goal was to return to tradition and to the values of ancestors • Typically had vulgar language • Aristophanes wrote 11 comedies

5. Satire • Was similar to a tragedy but it was shorter in length and lighter in heavy content • Usually mocked heroes in order to give the audience to relax after attending a tragedy • Only saved satiric dramas are “The Cyclops” by Euripides and “The Scouts” by Sophocles

6. Greek Theatre • The Actors • Were men • Wore masks and long robes to disguise themselves, as part of the religion • Were highly respected • Made grand gestures and had to speak loudly and clearly • The Chorus • 12 or 15 members • Could speak to give information to the audience or could react to show the emotions the audience should have

7. Greek Theatre • Theatron- where people sat and watched • Orchestra- where they performed • Parados- where the chorus enters • Skene- where actors could change costumes and masks

8. Greek Theatre