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The Theatre of Ancient Greece. Finds its roots in ritual, particularly religious ritual Theatre began as dances and songs, choral hymns, performed by man in honor of gods Origins of ancient Greek drama began with dances and songs performed in honor of god Dionysus, god of wine.
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Finds its roots in ritual, particularly religious ritual • Theatre began as dances and songs, choral hymns, performed by man in honor of gods • Origins of ancient Greek drama began with dances and songs performed in honor of god Dionysus, god of wine
Formal records of drama show it began is the fifth century in Athens • First legendary actor—Thespis; now actors are called “thespians” • Tragedy and comedy performed • Performances began at dawn and lasted entire day • Performers interacted with audience
Participating in Greek drama considered a citizen’s civic duty • Expected to volunteer to perform in chorus • Highly regarded in Greek society • Often exempted from military duty • Women not allowed to act, excluded from audience, or relegated to upper rows of seats if permitted
Actor portraying god, king, or legendary hero needed to appear larger than life • Costume added size and distinction to his role: • Long, flowing robe, dyed in symbolic colors (chiton) • Padding to give broader appearance • Platformed shoes (cothurni)
Little mobility with huge costume=face audience for delivery of speeches • Sweeping gestures • General movements which signified particular emotions • Lowering head=grief • Beating chest=mourning • Stretching arms out=prayer
Actors carried properties (props) to indicate roles • Herald=wear a wreath • Traveler=broad-brimmed hat • Kings=scepters • Warriors=spears • Elderly=sticks serving as canes • Most distinctive feature=MASK
Mask helped identify specific character • Limited and broadened audience’s understanding of role portrayed • Hid man’s face from gods as he impersonated them • Mouth part served as megaphone • Constructed of bark, cork, leather, linen • Called a “persona”
Chorus=narrators of the play • Usually 15 people, sat in three rows of five • Sometimes sang narration or said • Like extras in the play • Sometimes acted as the crowd