Greek Theater History and Origins of Theater

Origins of Theater There is evidence in every culture and every historical period that people have used elements of theater 1. To communicate, 2. to educate, 3. to entertain TWO MAIN ELEMENTS OF THEATER: 1. Storytelling, 2. Costuming

Drama Theater in the written form is its own genre of literature, known as DRAMA DRAMA is the basis of all written theater

Greece Greece in the 5 th century is known as either THE CLASSICAL PERIOD or THE GOLDEN AGE Athens, Greece is the first recorded occurrence of theater

Greece’s many accomplishments The birthplace of DEMOCRACY- only men had a voice in politics Philosophy: Socrates and Plato Recorded history and science by Herodotus Pythagoras developed the Pythagorean theory Hippocrates formulated the physician’s oath Architecture developed such as the Parthenon

Theater’s beginnings Theater began as a religious rite or ceremony honoring DIONYSUS- the god of wine, fertility, and partying Greek Drama originated out of the DITHYRAMBIC CHORUS- a group of 50 men who sang and danced a lengthy hymn honoring DIONYSUS

Thespis In the 6 th century, a performer and playwright named THESPIS had one member of the chorus stop out from the group and assume the role of a character. Thus, the concept of ACTING was born Thespian- anyone involved in an aspect of theater, particularly a stage performer, coming from the founder of acting, THESPIS

Thespis and Aeschylus

Aeschylus and Sophocles Aeschylus (A-She-Lus): writer of tragedies, added the second actor to the performance Sophocles: a playwright, added the 3 rd actor With actors out front, dramas could not have DIALOGUE- conversation between actors

The chorus The Chorus- was still used, often to represent the elders of the city or the major character’s conscience. The chorus would often interrupt the action, foreshadow what was to come, and summarize what had gone on before.

Theater and Religion Greek theater was intimately bound up with religion Greek religion was centered around a group of gods led by Zeus- we now call this Greek Mythology

Greek Myth

City Dionysia In Athens, the City Dionysia was a festival held to honor Dionysus and theater was at its core Tragic Drama began here in 534 BC Comedic drama was added in 487 BC The festival lasted for several days, 3 days were devoted to tragedies and time was set aside for 5 comedies THINK ABOUT IT: “DO WE STILL HAVE FESTIVALS LIKE THIS TODAY?”

Greek Myth The Writers of these plays took their stories from Greek Myth A myth is a story or legend handed down from generation to generation; usually attempting to explain human and natural phenomena or family situations

Tragedies and Performance Almost 900 tragedies were produced in Athens during the 5 th century; 31 of those survived to today, all by one of the 3 great dramatists: Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides All performers in Greek Theater, both actors and chorus members, were MALE; EVEN THOSE PLAYING FEMALE ROLES WERE MALE

THINK ABOUT IT… Why would men have to play women’s roles? Think about the roles of women in the past. Did women always have the same roles and rights as men?

Oedipus Rex The most famous Greek tragedy to survive Story of man who is prophesied (or told that in the future) he will have a “relation” with his own mother He leaves home and vows to never return Through plot twists, he kills his own father, takes position as King of Thebes, and marries his mother, THUS fulfilling the prophecy When he discovers what he has done, he gouges his eyes out and is exiled

Oedipus Rex Watch the following video that summarizes the classic play Oedipus Rex Try to get 8-10 important events that occur within the play We will discuss afterwards how this play is regarded as a Greek Tragedy edipus%20Rex%20- %20The%20Short%20Version!%20%28Animated%29%20Major MotionMatt%20MajorMotionMatt