The Ancient Greek Theatre - Parts and Machinery (3D)

Ancient Greek Theater Overview

• Considered a worldwide architectural innovation.

• Built on the slope of a hill, serving as a gathering space for dramatic performances.

• Became an institution by the 6th century BC as drama grew in importance.

• Initially had wooden seats called "the Ikrila," later evolved to larger stone theaters for better organization and to function as a democratic space.

Key Components

Theatron

• Area where spectators sat.

• Stone seats known as "theolia" accessed by stairs.

• Features radial arrangement of stairs called "klimakes."

Orchestra

• Circular space at the center of the theater, meaning "to dance" in Greek.

• The chorus performed here.

• Central altar dedicated to Dionysus.

• Surrounding water drainage trench known as "everse."

Skene

• The stage area for actors with multiple functions (storage, dressing, backdrop).

• Two parodoi for spectator and actor entrances.

• Divided into sections:

  • Paraskenia: protruding wings for storage.

  • Proscenium: colonnade on skene facade where actors performed, with the top called "the lian."

  • Parodos: The side entrances for the chorus, allowing them to enter and exit the stage.

Additional Features

• Theologian: An additional level for depicting gods in larger theaters. (Dionysus)

• Backdrops typically featured large paintings of landscapes, temples, etc.

• Periaktoi: Wooden rotating structures for changing backdrops.

• Mechane: Crane for actors playing gods, leading to "deus ex machina."

• Tragedies avoided showing violence directly, using a platform called "edgy climber" to convey actions.

• Caronian stairway: Underground tunnel connecting the scene to the orchestra for characters from the underworld.

• Anapierisma: Platform to create magical appearances of actors on stage.

• Logian: Where the actors would act.

Conclusion

• Ancient Greek theater's architectural structure and innovative technology significantly enhanced the expression of drama, contributing to its lasting legacy.