Classics- Greek Theatre

What time of year was the City Dionysia and why?

During march as 1- it was safer to travel by sea meaning more people could come and 2- march was the beginning of spring which symbolises new beginnings and Dionysus was the god of fertility.

What made the Athenians start worshipping Dionysus?

The people of Eleutherae came to Athens to join their citizenship and brought a cult statue of Dionysus but the Athenians refused to worship him. Suddenly the men’s genitals were plagues with disease and they believed it was a punishment so they agreed to worship, which was followed by the plague going going away. Then they created the City Dionysia.

What happened in the summer before the CD?

The eponymous archon selected three tragic playwrights (each writing three plays and one satyr play) and five comedians. He then selected a wealthy person to fund each play (one per play) called a choregos

Eponymous Archon

The chief magistrate of Athens who oversaw the law and festivals for a year

What happens a few days before the CD?

The proagon (pre-contest). The playwrights give a synopsis of the plays and introduces the actors, choregos and musicians. This was the first time actors were seen without masks.

Day 1 of the CD?

The pompe (grand procession) where a statue of Dionysus was carried through the city and ended at his sanctuary and a bull was sacrificed. A dithyramb competition was performed and then in the evening the Komos took place.

Dithyramb

A coral dance in honour of Dionysus. There was a contest that involved 100 people from 10 different tribes.

Day 2 of the CD?

The opening ceremony with a piglet sacrifice and 10 important generals pour libations to the 12 olympian gods. Then there are three presentations: the Parade of Tributes, the Proclamation of Honours and the Parade of Orphans. Then the 5 comedy plays are performed.

Parade of Tributes

Money from subject allies of athens are presented for the Theatre- showing off allies and wealth

Proclomation of Honours

A crown is awarded to citizens who have done great things for the city- shows of good citizens and encourages other to do good for the city

Parade of Orphans

Boys whose fathers died while fighting for Athens are paraded in the city and given a suit of armour when they turned 18- shows that they are cared for by the city and honours the dead soldiers.

Day 3-5 of CD?

The three tragedies and the satyr play are performed each day. On the 5th day 10 judges write the plays in preference order and place them in an urn. The eponymous archon draws 5 and the playwright with the most votes win.

Satyr Play

Used as a comic relief after the tragedies and was a spin on old myths/ stories (satire)

What was the Theoric fund?

A fund set up by the government so that people who could not afford it could still attend the theatre