Greek Theatre- Visual Sources

OCR Alevel

Theatre at Thorikos- where and when

6th to 5th BC in Attica

Theatre at Thorikos- advantages

Tells us scale of CD- 3000 people could be held

Shows rectangular orchestra

shows what a rural dionysia would be like

Theatre of Dionysus- where and when

Athens, built in 320 BC to Roman times

Theatre of Dionysus- advantages

Shows shape of usual theatres and their benefits

Highlights religious aspects based on location

circular orchestra 

stone seating

prohedra seats shown

Theatre of Dionysus-disadvantages

wooden seats don’t survive

the remains only show later version of the theatre

Perseus Dance Vase- where and when

late 5th century BC (420-410), south Attica

Perseus Dance Vase- what is shown

Medusa’s head is in the vase and a sickle to cut the head off

Perseus Dance Vase- advantages

comedy

shows members of the audience in prohedria- possible judges or choregos and poet

shows a possible play that exists

use of props and costumes (a suit to make him appear naked)

Perseus Dance Vase- disadvantages

damaged

an artists impression

one frame and only one actor

doesn’t show chorus 

no skene 

comedy so not helpful for tragedy

Medea’s Escape- when and where

400 BC, southern Italy

Medea’s Escape- what is shown?

tutor on right side, nurse next to children. Jason on left side. Furies and Helios shown through sun around Medea (her grandfather). Dragon serpent things?

Medea’s Escape- advantages

Implies use of Mechane and maybe Ekkyklema

Jason is shirtless- shows he’s a hero BUT not accurate to tragedy

shows how audience would have to use imagination

Medea’s Escape- disadvantages

not accurate to play, no dragons, furies, dog or jar and she in play she takes her children.

produced a few decades after the play would have been performed- shouldn’t trust.

too many adult actors

Basel Dancers Vase- when and where

500-490 BCE, athens

Basel Dancers Vase- what does it show

altar possibly functioning as tomb, branches/ribbons on it. Creature (ghost/ statue of Dio)

Basel Dancers Vase- advantages

chorus- dancing in uniform and singing (words on vase)

same costumes 

similar face shows masks

Basel Dancers Vase- disadvantages

not an accurate number (should be 15)

Pronomos Vase- when and where

410 BC, southern italy

Pronomos Vase- what is shown

The aulos player is Pronomos

Pronomos Vase- advantages

religious importance- dionysus 

musicsion- lyre and aulos players

playwrites

costumes and masks shown

Pronomos Vase- disadvanatages

different location to where plays were performed

mix of chorus, tragic, satyr and comic actors

not stage

not clear where or what or when scene is

Phiale Painters Vase- when and where

450 BCE athens

Phiale Painters Vase- what is shown

Phiale Painters Vase- advantages

shows tragic costumes- masks and kothornoi

men playing women

Phiale Painters Vase- disadvantages

not at theatre

only 2 actors

Oedpius vase- when and where

330 BCE Athens

Oedipus Vase- what type

calyx krater, mixing bowl

Oedipus vase- what is shown

The messenger, Oedipus, Jocasta (hand to chin, classics grieving pose in greek art)

Oedipus vase - advantages

-performance and not just myth (standing in a line so all audience can see instead of naturally standing)

-Oed in centre to show importance

-Shows theatre backdrop

-Costumes associated with greek tragedy

Oedipus vase- disadvantages 

-may not be oedipus, if we dont assume the children are girls 

-no indication of masks

-written 100 years after play