Ancient Greek Theatre Study Guide

Vocabulary terms covering the essential concepts, structural elements, and cultural significance of Ancient Greek theatre.

Tragic Hero

A "high-born" person who is generally good but flawed, as characterized in Aristotle's Poetics.

Hamartia

The "tragic flaw" or error in judgment that leads to a hero's downfall.

Peripeteia

A sudden reversal of fortune or change in circumstances.

Anagnorisis

The moment of critical discovery or recognition representing the transition from ignorance to knowledge.

City Dionysia

The premier festival in Athens that served as a religious ritual, showcase of civic pride, and democratic education.

Dionysus

The god of wine, fertility, and theatre honored during festivals.

Chorus

A group consisting of $12-15$ members that acted as the "ideal spectator," reacting to events and setting the emotional tone.

Choragus

The leader of the chorus who could step out of formation to speak with actors, acting as a bridge between the audience and the mythic world.

The Mask

A tool that allowed actors to play multiple roles, featured exaggerated expressions for visibility, and acted as a megaphone.

Catharsis

The goal of tragedy, described as the "purging" or cleansing of the emotions of pity and fear in the audience.

Hubris

Excessive pride or dangerous overconfidence; the most common hamartia in Greek tragedy.

Ode

Performances by the Chorus between scenes, divided into movements called the strophe and antistrophe.

Strophe

A movement where the Chorus moved from right to left across the orchestra while singing.

Antistrophe

The "counter-turn" movement where the Chorus moved back from left to right, often representing a shift in perspective.

Orchestra

The circular dancing floor where the Chorus performed.

Theoric Fund

A state fund used to pay the admission fee for poor citizens to attend the theatre as part of their civic duty.