Greek theatre key words 1.1 Drama and Theatre in ancient Athenian society

Polis (pl. poleis)

Greek city state, polis of Athens consisted of the city and surrounding region Attica

Lenaea

A drama festival in Athens in late January where comedy took precedence

Rurual Dionysia

Drama festival held in the rural demes of Attica in midwinter

Deme

A village or district of Attica

Eponymous archon

Leading politician of Athens, responsible for running the city Dionysia

Choregos

Financial backer of the playwright, supports production of his plays

Liturgy

Tax on the rich of Athens that requires them to contribute to the functioning of Athens.

Paragon

Event that acted as a preview and introduction to the festival

Pompe

Grand religious procession

Dithyramb

Choral dance sang in honour of Dionysus

Tribe

Political devision. All citizens of Athens were members of 1 of the 10 tribes.

Komos

Loosely organised revel through the streets

Theoric fund

Fund provided by the Athenian state, ensured that poor citizens could afford to attend the City Dionysia

Theatron

Seating area in a Greek theatre

Prohedria

Front row in the Theatron, reserved for VIPs

Orchestra

Dancing area below the theatron where chorus preformed

Eisodos (Parodos)

Entry way into the orchestra from each side of the Theatre

Skene

Wooden hut used as a backdrop and for actors to change

Wheel platform

Wooden platform on wheels brought on stage which showed a scene that had happened off stage

Scholion

A comment inserted into a manuscript by and ancient commentator

Crane

Device that raised an actor above the level of the skene building