classics - theatre terms

terms related to Ancient Greek theatre

tragedy

the story of the downfall of a hero due to their fate and sometimes own flaws

chorus

a group of 15 or so actors with a role in all Greek tragedies. originally they sang and danced in honour of Dionysus. by the 5th century BC they were simultaneously characters and commentators in the play

city Dionysia

the spring festival in Athens

Thespis

the man said to have thought of the idea of taking one actor out of the chorus to act a role (probably c. 534 BC

basileus archon

city official in Athens in charge of religious festivals. they decided who would compete in festivals and who would be chosen as choregus

choregus

wealthy individual given the task of sponsoring the production of a play

skene

stage building

pro-skene

stage where the actors acted

orchestra

flat open area where the chorus sang and danced

parados

side entrance to the orchestra used by the chorus and actors

deus ex machina

type of crane on which an actor descended

ekkyklema

a moveable stage (used to show the results of violent events that happened offstage)

protagonist

chief actor

diazoma

the division that split the theatron into two levels

kerkides

wedge-shaped segments of seats that made seats more accessible