Introduction to Greek Drama

savoie please have mercy

City-state

A polis; The area around it that makes a sovereign polity

Polity

A political body

Archon

A state official

Choregus

A wealthy/prominent citizen of Athens

Theatron

Area of seats hollowed out for the audience

Orchestra

Large area in front of the stage for the Chorus

Thymele

An altar turned into an orchestra

Parados

A walled walkway for the chorus’ entrance or exit

Pro-Skenium

The place behind the orchestra; Long/low stage

Skene

A building with the actors’ dress room

Deus ex Machina

A type of crane used for suspending actors; Means “God from the machine”

Hamartia

A flaw in a person’s character

Sparta

Known for their strong culture; militaristic 

Origin of Drama

Developed by ancient Greeks to celebrate and honor Dionysus

Dionysus

God of the (grape) vine, grapes were used for wine

Festival of Dionysus

Took place in Athens and lasted 5 days in March/April

1st day of Festival of Dionysus

The Greeks held a procession honoring Dionysus, all citizens participated

2nd day of Festival of Dionysus

Choral songs/operas performed

3rd, 4th, 5th days of Festival of Dionysus

Actors performed 3 tragedies, 1 satire, and 1 comedy

What was the Greek Theater similar to and how much did it hold?

Similar to an outdoor stadium; held 15k-20k

The Actors

Had to play multiple parts with costume changes

Why were all actors men?

It was undignified for women to play on stage.

What did the actors need?

Loud voices to speak poetic language with clarity

What did the Greek Theater originally only include?

The chorus, singing dithyrambs to honor Dionysus

What is the FIRST part in a Greek tragedy?

The Prologue

The Prologue

Actors present the story or situation

What is the SECOND part in a Greek tragedy?

Parados

What is the THIRD part in a Greek tragedy?

The Episodes

Episodes

Periods of more action

Stasima/Stasimon

Choral ode(s)/song(s) analyzing the episodes

What is the FOURTH part in a Greek tragedy?

Stasima/Stasimon

Exodus

Last action of the play

What is the FIFTH part in a Greek tragedy?

Exodus

Greek Tragedy’s Root

Man cannot avoid suffering

Man’s biggest fault

Excessive pride leading to downfall (hubris)

What does a Greek Tragedy Reveal?

It reveals what happens to a prideful person (or someone in general) that defied the Gods.

How did the Playwright use the chorus and ther songs?

They used it to create a bridge from the actors to the audience.