Greek Theatre

Overview of Greek origins of Drama and Oedipus

1. Greek Theater

2. The origins of dramaThe origins of drama
The earliest origins of drama are ancient hymns, called The earliest origins of drama are ancient hymns, called
dithyrambs. These were sung in honor of the god dithyrambs. These were sung in honor of the god
Dionysus. These hymns were later adapted for choral Dionysus. These hymns were later adapted for choral
processions in which participants would dress up in processions in which participants would dress up in
costumes and masks. costumes and masks.

3. Word OriginWord Origin
The modern word The modern word
“drama” comes form “drama” comes form
the Greek word the Greek word drandran
meaning "to do" meaning "to do"

4. DefinitionDefinition
Dithyrambs: a poem, Dithyrambs: a poem,
chant, or hymn of chant, or hymn of
ancient Greece sung by ancient Greece sung by
revelers at the festival in revelers at the festival in
honor of the god honor of the god
DionysusDionysus

5. Greek TheaterGreek Theater
Greek tragedies and comedies were always performed Greek tragedies and comedies were always performed
in outdoor theaters. in outdoor theaters.
Early Greek theaters were probably little more than Early Greek theaters were probably little more than
open areas in city centers or next to hillsides where the open areas in city centers or next to hillsides where the
audience, standing or sitting, could watch and listen to audience, standing or sitting, could watch and listen to
the chorus singing about the exploits of a god or hero. the chorus singing about the exploits of a god or hero.
From the late 6th century BC to the 4th and 3rd From the late 6th century BC to the 4th and 3rd
centuries BC there was a gradual evolution towards centuries BC there was a gradual evolution towards
more elaborate theater structures, but the basic layout more elaborate theater structures, but the basic layout
of the Greek theater remained the same of the Greek theater remained the same

7. Parts of the TheaterParts of the Theater
OrchestraOrchestra: (literally, "dancing space") A circular : (literally, "dancing space") A circular
and level space where the chorus would dance, sing, and level space where the chorus would dance, sing,
and interact with the actors who were on the stage and interact with the actors who were on the stage
near the skene. near the skene.
TheatronTheatron: (literally, "viewing-place") This is where : (literally, "viewing-place") This is where
the spectators sat. The theatron was usually part of the spectators sat. The theatron was usually part of
hillside overlooking the orchestra.hillside overlooking the orchestra.

8. Parts cont.Parts cont.
SkeneSkene: (literally, "tent") The skene was directly in : (literally, "tent") The skene was directly in
back of the stage, and was usually decorated as a back of the stage, and was usually decorated as a
palace, temple, or other building, depending on the palace, temple, or other building, depending on the
needs of the play. It had at least one set of doors, and needs of the play. It had at least one set of doors, and
actors could make entrances and exits through them. actors could make entrances and exits through them.
ParodosParodos: (literally, "passageways") The paths by : (literally, "passageways") The paths by
which the chorus and some actors made their entrances which the chorus and some actors made their entrances
and exits. The audience also used them to enter and and exits. The audience also used them to enter and
exit the theater before and after the performance.exit the theater before and after the performance.

9. Theatre Theatre
of of
DionysusDionysus
The first plays were performed in the Theatre of The first plays were performed in the Theatre of
Dionysus,Dionysus, built in the shadow of the Acropolis in built in the shadow of the Acropolis in
Athens at the beginning of the 5th century, Athens at the beginning of the 5th century,
These theatres proved to be so popular they soon spread These theatres proved to be so popular they soon spread
all over Greece.all over Greece.

10. Word OriginWord Origin
The modern word The modern word
“theater” comes from “theater” comes from
the Greek word the Greek word
theatrontheatron meaning meaning
"seeing place" "seeing place"

11. Why Dionysus?Why Dionysus?
In Greek Mythology In Greek Mythology
Dionysus was the son of Dionysus was the son of
Zeus. He is the only god Zeus. He is the only god
born of one god and one born of one god and one
mortal parent.mortal parent.
He was the god of wine, He was the god of wine,
fertility and revelry. fertility and revelry.

12. Dionysis cont.Dionysis cont.
He was raised by satyrs, killed, dismembered, and He was raised by satyrs, killed, dismembered, and
resurrected (was actually reborn).resurrected (was actually reborn).
Other gods had temples, the cult of Dionysis met in Other gods had temples, the cult of Dionysis met in
the wood.the wood.
It was believed that he could liberate and inspire It was believed that he could liberate and inspire
man. It was also believed that he could endow man. It was also believed that he could endow
man with divine creativity. Dionysus, thus, came to man with divine creativity. Dionysus, thus, came to
be considered a patron of the arts be considered a patron of the arts

13. In the sixth century BC, the Athenian ruler, In the sixth century BC, the Athenian ruler,
Pisistratus, established the 'City Dionysia', a Pisistratus, established the 'City Dionysia', a
festival of entertainment held in honor of the festival of entertainment held in honor of the
god Dionysus.god Dionysus.
This festival featured competitions in music, This festival featured competitions in music,
singing, dance and poetry. singing, dance and poetry.
The most remarkable of all the winners was The most remarkable of all the winners was
said to be a wandering bard named said to be a wandering bard named Thespis.Thespis.
The “City Dionysia”The “City Dionysia”

14. Word originWord origin
thespianthespian: :
1.1. Of or relating to drama; Of or relating to drama;
dramatic: dramatic: thespian talents.thespian talents. 2.2.
ThespianThespian Of or relating to Of or relating to
Thespis Thespis
Does the name Thespis remind you of anything? Can
you guess which modern word goes back to this early
actor’s name?

15. Four Qualities of Greek Drama:Four Qualities of Greek Drama:
1. Performed for special occasions (festivals).
Athens had four festivals worshipping Dionysus.
2. Competitive--prizes were awarded. Actors and playwrights
competed (Oedipus won 2
nd
place)
3. Choral – There was singing; the chorus was made up of men
(from 3 to 50). The chorus sang, moved, and danced. They
moved the story along.
4. The stories were based on myth or history

16. Essential pieces of Greek dramaEssential pieces of Greek drama
The playThe play
The actorsThe actors
The chorusThe chorus

17. The Play: Types of Greek DramaThe Play: Types of Greek Drama
ComedyComedy
TragedyTragedy
Satyr PlaysSatyr Plays
Comedy and tragedy were the most popular types of
plays in ancient Greece. Hence, the modern popularity of
the comedy and tragedy masks to symbolize theater.

18. ComedyComedy
not admitted to Dionysus festival till 487-486 B.C. – not admitted to Dionysus festival till 487-486 B.C. –
latelate
The first comedies were mainly satirical and mocked The first comedies were mainly satirical and mocked
men in power for their vanity and foolishness. men in power for their vanity and foolishness.
The first master of comedy was the playwright The first master of comedy was the playwright
Aristophanes.Aristophanes.
exaggerated, farcical, sensual pleasuresexaggerated, farcical, sensual pleasures

19. Structure of the Comedy:Structure of the Comedy:
ProloguePrologue — leading character conceives a — leading character conceives a
"happy idea" "happy idea"
ParadosParados: entrance of the chorus : entrance of the chorus
AgonAgon: dramatized debate between proponent : dramatized debate between proponent
and opponent of the "happy idea"and opponent of the "happy idea"

20. Comedy cont.Comedy cont.
ParabasisParabasis: chorus : chorus
addresses audience on addresses audience on
poet’s views on topic poet’s views on topic
EpisodesEpisodes: "Happy idea" : "Happy idea"
is put to practical is put to practical
application application

21. The Greek tragedyThe Greek tragedy
Late point of attack Late point of attack
Violence and death offstage Violence and death offstage
Frequent use of messengers to relate information Frequent use of messengers to relate information
Usually continuous time of action Usually continuous time of action
Usually single place Usually single place
Stories based on myth or history, but varied Stories based on myth or history, but varied
interpretations of events interpretations of events
Focus is on psychological and ethical attributes of Focus is on psychological and ethical attributes of
characters, rather than physical and sociological.characters, rather than physical and sociological.

22. Tragedy cont.Tragedy cont.
Tragedy dealt with love, loss, pride, the abuse of Tragedy dealt with love, loss, pride, the abuse of
power and the fraught relationships between men and power and the fraught relationships between men and
gods. gods.
Typically the main protagonist of a tragedy commits Typically the main protagonist of a tragedy commits
some terrible crime without realizing how foolish and some terrible crime without realizing how foolish and
arrogant he has been. Then, as he slowly realizes his arrogant he has been. Then, as he slowly realizes his
error, the world crumbles around him. error, the world crumbles around him.
The three great playwrights of tragedy were The three great playwrights of tragedy were
Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides. Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides.

23. Word OriginWord Origin
The word The word tragedytragedy came came
to be derived from the to be derived from the
Greek Greek tragostragos (goat) and (goat) and
odeode (poem). Tragedy (poem). Tragedy
literally means goat song literally means goat song
or goat poem.or goat poem.

24. The Structure of Greek TragedyThe Structure of Greek Tragedy
ProloguePrologue, which described the situation and set the scene , which described the situation and set the scene
ParadosParados, an ode sung by the chorus as it made its , an ode sung by the chorus as it made its
entrance entrance
Five dramatic scenesFive dramatic scenes, each followed by a , each followed by a KomosKomos, an , an
exchange of laments by the chorus and the protagonist exchange of laments by the chorus and the protagonist
ExodusExodus, the climax and conclusion , the climax and conclusion
Tragedies were often presented in trilogies. Interspersed Tragedies were often presented in trilogies. Interspersed
between the three plays in the trilogy were between the three plays in the trilogy were satyr playssatyr plays, in , in
which satyrs (men dressed as half-goats) made fun of the which satyrs (men dressed as half-goats) made fun of the
characters in the surrounding tragedies. characters in the surrounding tragedies.

25. Tragic flawTragic flaw
a flaw or mistake that brings about the downfall of a flaw or mistake that brings about the downfall of
the hero of a tragedy the hero of a tragedy
The Greek term "harmartia," typically translated as The Greek term "harmartia," typically translated as
"tragic flaw," actually is closer in meaning to a "tragic flaw," actually is closer in meaning to a
"mistake" or an "error," "failing," rather than an "mistake" or an "error," "failing," rather than an
innate flaw. innate flaw.
The character's flaw must result from something that The character's flaw must result from something that
is also a central part of their virtue, which goes is also a central part of their virtue, which goes
somewhat arwry, usually due to a lack of somewhat arwry, usually due to a lack of
knowledge. knowledge.

26. Satyr PlaysSatyr Plays
These were short plays These were short plays
performed between the acts of performed between the acts of
tragedies. They made fun of tragedies. They made fun of
the plight of the tragedy's the plight of the tragedy's
characters. characters.
The satyrs were mythical half-The satyrs were mythical half-
human, half-goat servants of human, half-goat servants of
Dionysus. Dionysus.

27. Word OriginWord Origin
Does the term Satyr Does the term Satyr
remind you of any remind you of any
modern day term?modern day term?
The Satyr and the Satyr The Satyr and the Satyr
plays spawned the plays spawned the
modern word modern word satiresatire..

28. The ActorsThe Actors
All of the actors and All of the actors and
playwrights were men. playwrights were men.
Women were not allowed to Women were not allowed to
participate. participate.
The actors played multiple The actors played multiple
roles, so a mask was used to roles, so a mask was used to
show the change in character show the change in character
or mood. or mood.
Gestures and body Gestures and body
movements were controlled movements were controlled
and stately and stately
If playing female role — If playing female role —
need for female appearance need for female appearance
— wore the — wore the prosternida prosternida
before the chest and the before the chest and the
progastridaprogastrida before the belly before the belly

29. The ChorusThe Chorus
Functions of the chorus Functions of the chorus
an agent: gives advice, asks, takes part an agent: gives advice, asks, takes part
establishes ethical framework, sets up standard by establishes ethical framework, sets up standard by
which action will be judged which action will be judged
ideal spectator - reacts as playwright hopes audience ideal spectator - reacts as playwright hopes audience
would would
sets mood and heightens dramatic effects sets mood and heightens dramatic effects
adds movement, spectacle, song, and dance adds movement, spectacle, song, and dance
rhythmical function - pauses / paces the action so that rhythmical function - pauses / paces the action so that
the audience can reflect.the audience can reflect.

30. SophoclesSophocles

Sophocles: (496-406 B.C.) Sophocles: (496-406 B.C.) The The
son of a wealthy merchant, he son of a wealthy merchant, he
would enjoy all the comforts of a would enjoy all the comforts of a
thriving Greek empire. thriving Greek empire.
By the age of sixteen, he was By the age of sixteen, he was
chosen to lead a choir of boys at a chosen to lead a choir of boys at a
celebration of the victory of celebration of the victory of
Salamis. Salamis.
By age 28 his studies complete, By age 28 his studies complete,
and he was ready to compete in and he was ready to compete in
the City Dionysia--a festival held the City Dionysia--a festival held
every year at the Theatre of every year at the Theatre of
Dionysus in which new plays Dionysus in which new plays
were presented. were presented.

31. Sophocles cont.Sophocles cont.
won 24 contests, never lower than 2won 24 contests, never lower than 2
ndnd
Added a third actor and scenery Added a third actor and scenery
Concerned with the relationship between gods and human Concerned with the relationship between gods and human
fate fate
Concerned with tragic irony, the contrast between human fate Concerned with tragic irony, the contrast between human fate
and human ignorance and human ignorance
Concerned with the importance of free will/moral choice Concerned with the importance of free will/moral choice
Struggle even if struggle is hopeless; each character embodies Struggle even if struggle is hopeless; each character embodies
a certain moral ideal a certain moral ideal
Portrays humans as they OUGHT to be Portrays humans as they OUGHT to be
Believed evil/moral failings stemmed from ignoranceBelieved evil/moral failings stemmed from ignorance

32. Characteristics of Sophocles' plays:
complex characters, psychologically well-motivated complex characters, psychologically well-motivated
emphasis on individual characters emphasis on individual characters
characters subjected to crisis leading to suffering and characters subjected to crisis leading to suffering and
self recognition - including a higher law above man self recognition - including a higher law above man
exposition carefully motivated exposition carefully motivated
scenes suspense fully climactic scenes suspense fully climactic
action clear and logical action clear and logical
poetry clear and beautiful poetry clear and beautiful
few elaborate visual effects few elaborate visual effects
theme emphasized: the choices of peopletheme emphasized: the choices of people

33. We will be looking at:We will be looking at:
Oedipus: Oedipus:
The story of Oedipus was well known legend to Sophocles’ The story of Oedipus was well known legend to Sophocles’
audience. audience.
Aristotle used this play and its plot as the supreme example of Aristotle used this play and its plot as the supreme example of
tragedy tragedy
Sigmund Freud famously based his theory of the “Oedipal Sigmund Freud famously based his theory of the “Oedipal
Complex” on this storyComplex” on this story
Antigone:Antigone:
AntigoneAntigone was probably the first of the three Theban plays that was probably the first of the three Theban plays that
Sophocles wrote, although the events dramatized in it happen Sophocles wrote, although the events dramatized in it happen
last. last.
Antigone is one of the first heroines in literature, a woman who Antigone is one of the first heroines in literature, a woman who
fights against a male power structure, exhibiting greater bravery fights against a male power structure, exhibiting greater bravery
than any of the men who scorn her. than any of the men who scorn her.

34. The Final CurtainThe Final Curtain
By the time of Sophocles' death in 406 BC (128 years By the time of Sophocles' death in 406 BC (128 years
after Thespis' victory in the first Athenian drama after Thespis' victory in the first Athenian drama
competition) the golden era of Greek drama was competition) the golden era of Greek drama was
ending. ending.
Athens, whose free-thinking culture had spawned the Athens, whose free-thinking culture had spawned the
birth of theater, would be overrun in 404 BC by the birth of theater, would be overrun in 404 BC by the
Spartans, and would later be torn apart by constant Spartans, and would later be torn apart by constant
warring with other city states, eventually falling under warring with other city states, eventually falling under
the dominion of Alexander the Great and his the dominion of Alexander the Great and his
Macedonian armies. Macedonian armies.
Theater continued, but it would not return to the same Theater continued, but it would not return to the same
creative heights until Elizabethan England two creative heights until Elizabethan England two
millenia later. millenia later.