Early Development
Many of the ways plays are written, staged and performed can be traced back more than 2,500 years to where?
Ancient Greece.
Who is Dionysus?
The greek god of wine, fertility, and rebirth.
Early performances began with choral hymns called what?
Dithyrambs
Were Greek theatres typically built inside or outside?
Outside, into hillsides.
What was so useful about masks in Greek theatre?
- Masks could be used to show exaggerated emotions and be seen from far away.
- Masks help identify character types like villains/heroes.
Greek theatre was not just entertainment, it was what?
- part of public life
- educational
- citizenship/community
What was the City of Dionysia?
A large festival that included parades and dramatic competitions.
Dithyrambs would be sung and danced by a group called what?
The chorus.
What was the theatron?
The seating area in the theatre.
Traditionally in Greek theatre, all roles were played by...
Males.
During the 5th and 6th centuries, where did Greek theater primarily develop?
Athens
What was attending the City of Dionysia considered?
A civic duty/responsibility.
What was the name of the first actor to step out of the chorus and speak as a character?
Thespis.
What was the orchestra?
A circular space where the chorus performed.
Note: Circular is important for the quiz.
What are the three main types that Greek plays get separated into?
Tragedy, comedy and satyr.
In the origins of Greek theatre, who/what was being honored?
2 answers!
- Festivals honoring Dionysus
- Gatherings for the City of Dionysia
What would the government do to make sure all were participating in the City of Dionysia?
Pay for poorer citizens.
By stepping out of the chorus and speaking separately, what did Thespis do?
He created dialogue: a conversation between 2 or more actors onstage.
What was the skene?
A building behind the orchestra that was used for costumes, masks and as a backdrop.
Name one of the three main playwrights in Greek theatre?
Aeschylus
Sophocles
Euripides
During what season was the City of Dionysia celebrated?
Spring.
What kind of festivals are honoring Dionysus?
Religious festivals.
What word are performers called today in honor of Thespis?
Thespians.
How did the shape and design of the theatre affect the sound quality?
The sound could be heard clearly even without microphones.
What is a SATYR play, (not satire!)
Short, humorous performances that featured a satyr (mythical half-man, half-beast).