1. AN INTRODUCTION TO GREEK DRAMA

3. The Theater Outdoors & open to the elements Natural lighting Semi-circular amphitheater w/14,000 marble seats Amazing acoustics The skene - permanent backdrop Parodos Orchestra – acting circle Marble altar – prayer scenes & animal sacrifices Affordable admissions Most popular form of entertainment

4. Drama Festivals Honor Playwrights Sophocles – the best in the Golden Age Golden Age – 5th Century B.C. Dionysian Festival March/April – our Easter time Prestige & Financial Rewards Crowned w/laurels – a “laureate”

5. The Actors Males only No females All wear masks – comic or tragic Boys play female roles Skilled in voice & dance Operatic or “presentational” style of acting Highly stylized movement

6. The Chorus I. In all Greek plays – comedy & tragedy
The Chorus I In all Greek plays – comedy & tragedy Very popular w/the audience to 20 wise elders of the city Functions of the Chorus: 1. Mouthpiece of the playwright 2. Mouthpiece of the audience 3. Adds music & dance – “spectacle” of the play 4. Adviser to characters in the play 5. Mediator or peacemaker 6. Infuses play w/prayers & religiosity 7. Chants loftiest poetry in the Choral Odes 8. Provides the catharsis at the end

7. Costumes & Props

8. The Tragic Script Always in poetry (comedies too) Prologos – Prologue Parodos – Choral entrance Episodes – equivalent of “scenes” Choral Ode – following each episode Catastrophe Catharsis Epilogue – final Choral Ode

9. “The Poetics” by Aristotle An essay on Greek drama Describes Ancient GreekTragedy & Comedy Defines Greek Drama Terms: Tragedy & Comedy Tragic Hero Tragic Flaw 3 Unities: time, place, action Catastrophe Catharsis

10. Oedipus the King

11. Oedipus at Colonus

12. Antigone