Theater
Architecture
Architecture
What was the skene originally used for in Greek theaters?
A “tent” or hut behind the orchestra where actors changed costumes and masks.
Why couldn’t Greek plays be performed at night?
Why couldn’t Greek plays be performed at night?
What was the atmosphere like during a festival performance?
Festive and communal, celebrating Dionysus with thousands gathered together.
What were the paraskenia and what purpose did they serve?
Projecting side wings of the skene that framed the stage and provided entrances/exits.
Why did performances rely on imagination?
sets and scenery were minimal and simple.
When were performances held and why?
During daylight hours to use natural sunlight.
What was located at the center of the orchestra and dedicated to Dionysus?
What was located at the center of the orchestra and dedicated to Dionysus?
Why couldn’t the chorus interact much with the actors?
They were confined to the orchestra area.
What smells and tastes filled the air during performances?
Bread, olives, wine, and the scent of the crowd under the sun.