Quickie Greek Drama Details

Early Classical Plays One actor Minimal or non-existent sets/scenery Use of chorus (approx. 50 people) Chorus members (non-singing) explain changes in setting, fill in details, comment Playwright was often the author, director, choreographer, musical composer, leading actor

Classical Plays Mostly discussion and narration No blood and gore (this sort of stuff “happened” offstage) Lacking in illusion or stage realism Imagination is the key Lofty moral themes Part of religious festivals, held three times a year—contests

Masks In both tragedy and comedy, all actors since the 5th century wore masks at all times The mask covered the entire head, included the appropriate hairstyle, beard, ornaments and other features Made of a hardened linen-like material (think papier-mache), or wood or cork. No existing examples.

Philosopher Warrior Dionysus

Masks Masks were worn for four reasons: 1. Visibility: Performers would play for an audience of 14,000, so it was difficult for everyone to see. The masks had exaggerated features to help actors be seen and emotions understood.

Masks Masks were worn for four reasons: 2. Acoustic Assistance: Some masks had a small megaphone-like device inside the mouth.

Masks Masks were worn for four reasons: 3. Few Actors, Many Roles: Each play had few actors, but many different roles. Masks helped actors change characters instantly.

Masks Masks were worn for four reasons: 4. Characterization: Masks had to represent the outstanding features & personality of the characters

Aristotle’s Poetics Tragedy is an imitation of action, both serious and complete. There must be a catharsis, instilling fear and pity. catharsis—an emotional outpouring; getting everything off your chest in one big ole screamfest.

Aristotle’s Poetics—Elements of Tragedy 1. Plot: action of the play

Aristotle’s Poetics—Elements of Tragedy Plot Thought: emotions and feelings of the characters

Aristotle’s Poetics—Elements of Tragedy Plot Thought Characters: inhabitants of the play

Aristotle’s Poetics—Elements of Tragedy Plot Thought Characters Diction: speech and dialogue of the characters

Aristotle’s Poetics—Elements of Tragedy Plot Thought Characters Diction Song: rhythm of the play

Aristotle’s Poetics—Elements of Tragedy Plot Thought Characters Diction Song: Spectacle: technical aspects, such as lighting, sound, props

Aristotle’s Poetics—The Unities Time: the entire story takes place from sunup to sundown—one day (There may be a backstory that occurred before the events of the play, but only the events surrounding the climax of the story are highlighted.)

Aristotle’s Poetics—The Unities Time Place: one location only

Aristotle’s Poetics—The Unities Time Place Action: only one central story or action; eliminates action not relevant to the plot

Greek Playwrights: The Big Four

Plays Info Name Date

Aeschylus (525-456 BC) One of the most influential ground-breakers: Increased # of actors from 1 to 2 Involved the chorus more in the action Emphasized the dialogue Wrote over 90 plays—mostly tragedies—only 7 survived. Agamemnon—back from Trojan war; murder, adultery, responsibility, Will of Heaven.

Sophocles (496-406 BC) Was 1st an actor, but with his 1st play, defeated Aeschylus Added the 3rd actor, invented painted scenery Less formal, more realistic Wrote >120 plays, only 7 have survived. Oedipus the King—killed his father, married his mother. Human responsibility, dignity, fate.

Euripides (485-406 BC) Ignored by the judges because his free-thinking and pacifist views were not popular. Unhappy life is reflected in plays. Began to incorporate humor, examine human psyche and emotions. Brought the common man, his life, and his language to the stage. Medea

Aristophanes (450-380 BC) Wrote the only surviving comedies Plays marked by wit, invention, skillful use of language Satirical, sophisticated, obscene Criticized politics of his time 11 if his 40 plays survived Lysistrata—Sparta & Athens at war; women withhold sex to make men stop fighting