L8 - Western Classical Theaters and Operas

roots of theater?

Greece

when did theater evolved?

5th century B.C.E.

Theater: theatron/Tre: Greek: (which means?)

a place of seeing

2 meanings of theater

acting ; playhouse

forms of drama

tragedy and comedy

tragedy

a Greek drama that commonly portrays the fall or defeat of the protagonist. has no violent acts

5 structures of tragedy

• hubris
• hamartia
• anagnorisis
• peripeteia
• catharsis

• hubris

shows the protagonist's arrogance led to defiance

• hamartia

the misjudgment made by the protagonist that led to his/her downfall

• anagnorisis

climax of the story and turning point of the tragic play where the protagonist realizes his misjudgment

• peripeteia

the downfall of the protagonist; it's the ending of the story/drama

• catharsis

the purification of the audiences' soul after the drama; the audience give comments

comedy

Greek drama that amuses the audience; for entertainment

4 structures of comedy

• parodos
• agon
• parabasis
• exodos

• parodos

it's where a chorus consisting 24 performers have a song and dance numbers

• agon

part of the play when the main characters clash or debate

• parabasis

the message is being directed to the audience

• exodos

the finale or ending of the drama. performed with another song and dance routine