2. The Origins of the Greek Theater 7th Century BC c. 625

3. God of Wine Greek – Dionysus Roman – Bacchus

4. As the god associated with wine and wine miracles, Dionysus fostered intoxication, which can lead to positive relaxation as well as to self-destructive passion and actions. intoxication

5. Dancing and freedom from stresses of daily life were part of the rituals. Maenads were female followers of Dionysus who performed frenzied “raving” dances.

6. The Dithyramb: The precursor to drama A dithyramb is a hymn to the god Dionysus, a choral song accompanied by flute. The members of the chorus were disguised in animals (goats) and called Satyrs.

7. The Great Dionyssia New tragedies were presented during the Great Dionyssia, the biggest celebration. This celebration lasted for six days. On the first day, the sacred parade took place (foreigners were allowed to participate).

8. Over the next two days, dithyrambic dancing contests were held. During the last three days, drama contests were organized.

9. Only three poets were allowed to participate each year, chosen by The Honorable Archon. To participate, a poet had to submit a tetralogy: three tragedies and one satiric drama. The expenses for the chorus were covered by Sponsors (choregoi), wealthy Athenians. Theater of Dionysus, Athens

10. The herald announced the name of the winner and the Honorable Archon placed on the winner's head a crown of ivy, the holy plant of Dionysus. Dionysus Riding a Leopard

11. Ancient Greek Theatre of Epidaurus

12. Go back to "Theatre of Epidaurus" Theatron Skene Orchestra Parados Thymele

13. Sequence of the Play Prologue was presented in Prose Parodos was a sung Lyric First episode (episodion) Prose First stasimon Lyric Second episode Prose Second stasimon… Lyric...... Exodus Prose

14. Tragedy Satyr, maenad, and a goat Tragoi (the goats) were the priests of god Dionysus. During the festivities for the God, a goat was sacrificed and the satyrs sang the lamentation song for the sacrificed goat.

15. The chorus was considered to be the mouthpiece of society and morality, and they suffered along with the heroes.

16. Strophe (from the Greek stroph, meaning a turning) - The first movement of the chorus in classical Greek drama from the east side of the orchestra to the west side Movements of the Greek Chorus Antistrophe – the returning movement of the chorus from west to east, in response to the strophe

17. When a leading actor (called a hypocrite) replied to the chorus, it was part of the continuing plot. (The word "hypocrite" derives from the verb apocrinomai, which in Greek means "to reply").

18. Timeline of the Development of Greek Theater 536-533 Thespis - put on one of the first tragedies at the festival of the Dionysia in Athens, and he later pulled a member out of the chorus to become the first actor

19. Four Qualities of Greek Drama: Performed for special occasions (festivals) Competitive - prizes awarded Choral - singing seems to have been an important part Closely associated with religion - stories based on myth or history

20. Aeschylus Father of tragedy Born 525 B.C. Added a second actor, allowing for greater dramatic variety, while the chorus played a less important role Introduced dramatic innovations such as costumes and scenery

21. Sophocles Born c. 496 B.C. Innovation: The addition of a third actor, creating greater opportunity for character development and conflict between characters

22. Euripides (480-406 B.C.) Born in 480 BC in Athens Wrote 72 works, 19 of which are saved (18 tragedies and 1 satiric drama) His parents were very poor but he was well-educated Close friend to Socrates Medea - written 431 B.C.E Died violently in 406 in Pella, killed by wild dogs.

23. Characteristics of Euripides' plays: –dealt with subjects usually considered unsuited to the stage which questioned traditional values –many practices were to become popular: using minor myths or severely altered major ones –less poetic language, realistic characterizations and dialog Common Themes – Chance or fate may rule the world more than gods do. People are more concerned with morals than gods are.

24. Dodoni Ancient Greek Theater

25. Epidauros Theater

26. Works Cited http://www.greektheatre.gr/cult.html http://www.theoi.com/Gallery/Z12.2.html www.thereisaway.us/images/GreekChorus http://www.bartleby.com/61/76/S0817600.h tmlhttp://www.bartleby.com/61/76/S0817600.h tml http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/english/ melani/cs6/tragedy.htmlhttp://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/english/ melani/cs6/tragedy.html www.greeklandscapes.com/greece/ancient _theaters.html