Ancient Greek Theater

Ancient Greek Theater

Main Purpose • To honor Dionysus, the god of harvest and wine. • Educational entertainment- used to teach lessons and morals. • To express the gods and world around them.

Main Parts • Orchestra- center part of the theatre where the play took place.

Main Parts • Skene- large rectangular building behind the the orchestra where the actors would change their costumes.

Main Parts • Audience- was built on a slope and could seat thousands of people.

Three Types Of Plays

Tragedies • First to be invented • A character suffers a disastrous end • Gods usually involved

Comedies • Second to be invented • Always had a happy ending

Satires • Made fun of real people and legends. • Affected people’s opinions about current events. • Never made fun of the gods.

Playwrights • Click on the link below to research the playwrights: •Aeschylus •Arsitophanes •Euripedes •Sophocles

Greek Masks • To show the expression on their faces to the audience. • Helped amplify the actor’s voices. • Helped actors play more than one character.

Facts • Masks were made out of linen or cork. • Three male actors played all the roles. • Plays were so important that prisoners were released from jail so they could be there. • Aeshylus created dialogue and interacting characters. • Every city-state had a theatre. • Drama competitions were held for playwriting and acting.

Greek Words

Analemmata (æ-na-LEM-a-ta) • Supporting or retaining walls for the audience seating area; more specifically, exterior walls supporting the theatron.

Eisodoi(EYE-soh-doy) • Two side entrances to orchestra in the Greek theatre; entrance ramps between theatron and skene; .also see parodos.

Skene (SKAY-nay) • (Greek: tent) Building behind the orchestra originally used for storage but provided a convenient backing for performances.

Pinakes(PIN-a-keez) • Painted panels; temporary scenic elements usually placed in the openings (thyromata) of the Greek skene.

Ancient Greek Theater