2. Why Did Greeks Develop Theatre? In groups of 3 discuss why YOU think the Greeks developed theatre.

3. Why Did the Greeks Develop Theatre? At first the theatres were built for festivals and celebrations. They wanted to show their respects to Dionysus—the god of wine and procreation! The plays were to give a lesson to the people - DIADACTIC PURPOSE It developed out of a ritual tradition, celebrating Dionysus. It was a mixture of song and dance called “diathramb” Many words in theatre find their roots in Greek as well, such as theatre (THEATRON—seeing place) and drama (DRAN—to do).

4. Ancient Greek Theatre Where is this theatre? Theatre of Dionysus

5. Tarragona Amphitheatre A Roman theatre, but the Romans copied the Greeks with this structure.

6. Space chorus used to dance. Space for the principle actors to perform. Sloped seating for the audience.

8.  Between 12-15 men that were masked and costumed the same.  Often properly trained in singing and dancing.  They speak some of the most important lines in the play. Often times they tell the story while the actors perform the actions.  They always speak together and move together.  The chorus usually stays in one area of the stage, but has the freedom to move enter and exit.

9.  From the comedy Frogs Chorus. Demeter, grant that…we perform plenty that is funny, and at the same time plenty that is serious… Muse, … come and see this great mass of people, sitting in their sophisticated thousands… It’s right and proper for the festival chorus to give good advice and sound lessons to our city. Example text of the chorus introducing a drama.

10. VIDEO