Greek Theatre: Origins, Plays, and Key Figures in Ancient Drama

What city is considered the cultural center and capital of Greece?

Athens

What was the original purpose of the festivals that led to the creation of Greek theatre?

They were originally a religious festival for Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, fertility, and theatre.

What is the structure where Greek theatre festivals took place?

An outdoor sloped semicircle called an amphitheatre.

What were the festivals structured as?

A contest for the best poem, best song, etc.

How did storytelling evolve during the Greek festivals?

It evolved from a single actor reciting poems to one actor narrating with a chorus chiming in.

Who is known as the first Greek actor?

Thespis, from whom the term 'thespian' is derived.

What significant contribution did Aeschylus make to Greek theatre?

He introduced the concept of multiple actors portraying different characters.

What is Aeschylus known as in relation to Greek plays?

The Father of Tragedy.

Which playwright wrote the Oedipus trilogy?

Sophocles.

Who wrote over one hundred plays, including Medea?

Euripides.

What is a tetralogy in the context of Greek theatre?

A series of three tragedies and a satyr play.

What is the main characteristic of Greek tragedies?

They are serious plays with a moral lesson, often featuring a mythical hero who meets doom due to pride.

What is a satyr play?

A crass, slapstick comedy that serves as comic relief after Greek tragedies.

How did Greek comedies differ from tragedies?

Comedies were more light-hearted and often made fun of everyday life, including celebrities and politicians.

What was a common plot theme in Greek comedies?

They often taught a moral lesson, such as 'don't mess with the gods'.

What was the significance of the skene in Greek theatre?

It provided a place for actors to change costumes, enter or exit, and store props.

What is scenic painting in the context of Greek theatre?

It was added to the skene to help the audience identify the play's setting.

What is a 'deus ex machina'?

A plot device where a seemingly unsolvable problem is suddenly resolved by an unexpected occurrence.

What is notable about the play Medea by Euripides?

It focuses on a woman as the main character and is one of the most popular surviving Greek plays today.

What was the outcome of Medea at the festival?

It received third place but remains significant in Greek literature.

How did actors in Greek theatre enhance their visibility?

They wore huge masks, high heels, and fancy costumes.

What was the acting style in Greek theatre?

It was very over-the-top to emphasize the characters' emotions.