1. Greek and Roman Theatre A look into theatre’s history Dramatic Literature Miss Powell/2008

2. The Greeks Twenty-five hundred years ago, two thousand years before Shakespeare, Western theatre was born in Athens, Greece. Twenty-five hundred years ago, two thousand years before Shakespeare, Western theatre was born in Athens, Greece. Between 600 and 200 BC, the ancient Athenians created a theatre culture whose form, technique and terminology have lasted two millennia, and they created plays that are still considered among the greatest works of world drama. Between 600 and 200 BC, the ancient Athenians created a theatre culture whose form, technique and terminology have lasted two millennia, and they created plays that are still considered among the greatest works of world drama. Their achievement is truly remarkable when one considers that there have been only two other periods in the history of theatre that could be said to approach the greatness of ancient Athens - Elizabethan England and, perhaps the Twentieth Century. Their achievement is truly remarkable when one considers that there have been only two other periods in the history of theatre that could be said to approach the greatness of ancient Athens - Elizabethan England and, perhaps the Twentieth Century. The greatest playwright of Elizabethan England was Shakespeare, but Athens produced at least five equally great playwrights. The Twentieth Century produced thousands of fine plays and films, but their form and often their content are based on the innovations of the ancient Athenians. The greatest playwright of Elizabethan England was Shakespeare, but Athens produced at least five equally great playwrights. The Twentieth Century produced thousands of fine plays and films, but their form and often their content are based on the innovations of the ancient Athenians.

3. Map of Ancient Greece

4. Dio-who??? The theatre of Ancient Greece evolved from religious rites which date back to at least 1200 BC. The theatre of Ancient Greece evolved from religious rites which date back to at least 1200 BC. In northern Greece, in an area called Thrace, a cult arose that worshipped Dionysus, the god of wine, fertility and procreation. This Cult of Dionysus, which probably originated in Asia Minor, practiced ritual celebrations which may have included libation, promiscuous activities, human and animal sacrifices, and comedic storytelling. In northern Greece, in an area called Thrace, a cult arose that worshipped Dionysus, the god of wine, fertility and procreation. This Cult of Dionysus, which probably originated in Asia Minor, practiced ritual celebrations which may have included libation, promiscuous activities, human and animal sacrifices, and comedic storytelling.

5. Dio-who??? The cult's most controversial practice involved, it is believed, uninhibited dancing and emotional displays that created an altered mental state. This altered state was known as 'ecstasis', from which the word ecstasy is derived. Dionysiac, hysteria and 'catharsis' also derive from Greek words for emotional release or purification. Ecstasy was an important religious concept to the Greeks, who would come to see theatre as a way of releasing powerful emotions through its ritual power. The cult's most controversial practice involved, it is believed, uninhibited dancing and emotional displays that created an altered mental state. This altered state was known as 'ecstasis', from which the word ecstasy is derived. Dionysiac, hysteria and 'catharsis' also derive from Greek words for emotional release or purification. Ecstasy was an important religious concept to the Greeks, who would come to see theatre as a way of releasing powerful emotions through its ritual power. Though it met with resistance, the cult spread south through the tribes of Greece over the ensuing six centuries. During this time, the rites of Dionysus became mainstream and more formalized and symbolic. The death of a tragic hero was offered up to god and man rather than the sacrifice of say, a goat. By 600 BC these ceremonies were practiced in spring throughout much of Greece. Though it met with resistance, the cult spread south through the tribes of Greece over the ensuing six centuries. During this time, the rites of Dionysus became mainstream and more formalized and symbolic. The death of a tragic hero was offered up to god and man rather than the sacrifice of say, a goat. By 600 BC these ceremonies were practiced in spring throughout much of Greece.

6. The Dithyramb An essential part of the rites of Dionysus was the dithyramb. The word means 'choric hymn'. This chant or hymn was probably introduced into Greece early accompanied by mimic gestures and, probably, music. It began as a part of a purely religious ceremony, like a hymn in the middle of a mass describing the adventures of Dionysus. In its earliest form it was lead off by the leader of a band of revelers, a group of dancers, probably dressed as satyrs dancing around an altar.

7. Dithyramb… The hymn was performed by a chorus of about fifty men dressed as satyrs -- mythological half-human, half- goat servants of Dionysus. They played drums, lyres and flutes, and chanted as they danced around a statue of Dionysus. Introduced into Athens shortly before 500 BC, dithyramb was soon recognized as one of the competitive subjects at the various Athenian festivals. For more than a generation after its introduction the dithyramb attracted the most famous poets of the day. By this time, however, it had ceased to concern itself exclusively with the adventures of Dionysus and begun to choose its subjects from all periods of Greek mythology. Over time the dithyramb would evolve into stories in 'play' form: drama.

8. What are thespians? In about 600 BC, Arion of Mehtymna (Corinth) wrote down formal lyrics for the dithyramb. In about 600 BC, Arion of Mehtymna (Corinth) wrote down formal lyrics for the dithyramb. Some time during the next 75 years, Thespis of Attica added an actor who interacted with the chorus. Some time during the next 75 years, Thespis of Attica added an actor who interacted with the chorus. This actor was called the protagonist, from which the modern word protagonist is derived, meaning the main character of a drama. This actor was called the protagonist, from which the modern word protagonist is derived, meaning the main character of a drama. Records give credit to Thespis, and even gives him a date; he is said to have performed Athens about 534 BC. Records give credit to Thespis, and even gives him a date; he is said to have performed Athens about 534 BC. Whether this is true of not, his name has achieved immortality in theatrical jargon - 'actors' and 'Thespians' are synonymous. Whether this is true of not, his name has achieved immortality in theatrical jargon - 'actors' and 'Thespians' are synonymous.

9. “All the world’s a stage!” In 534 BC, Dionysian Festivals were changed to drama competitions. In 534 BC, Dionysian Festivals were changed to drama competitions. Thespis is said to have won the first competition in 534 BC. In the ensuing 50 years, the competitions became popular annual events. Thespis is said to have won the first competition in 534 BC. In the ensuing 50 years, the competitions became popular annual events.

10. Amphitheaters During this time, major theatres were constructed, notably the theatre at Delphi, the Attic Theatre, and the Theatre of Dionysus in Athens. During this time, major theatres were constructed, notably the theatre at Delphi, the Attic Theatre, and the Theatre of Dionysus in Athens. The Theatre of Dionysus, built at the foot of the Acropolis in Athens, could seat 17,000 people. The Theatre of Dionysus, built at the foot of the Acropolis in Athens, could seat 17,000 people. During their heyday, the competitions drew as many as 30,000 spectators. The words theatre and amphitheatre derive from the Greek word theatron, which referred to the wooden spectator stands erected on those hillsides. During their heyday, the competitions drew as many as 30,000 spectators. The words theatre and amphitheatre derive from the Greek word theatron, which referred to the wooden spectator stands erected on those hillsides. Similarly, the word orchestra is derived from the Greek word for a platform between the raised stage and the audience on which the chorus was situated. Similarly, the word orchestra is derived from the Greek word for a platform between the raised stage and the audience on which the chorus was situated.

11. Amphitheaters

12. Showtime! Plays were performed in the daytime. Plays were performed in the daytime. The annual drama competitions in Athens were spread over several, entire days. The annual drama competitions in Athens were spread over several, entire days. Actors probably wore little or no makeup. Instead, they carried masks with exaggerated facial expressions. Actors probably wore little or no makeup. Instead, they carried masks with exaggerated facial expressions. They also wore cothornos, or buskins, which were leather boots laced up to the knees. They also wore cothornos, or buskins, which were leather boots laced up to the knees. There was little or no scenery. There was little or no scenery. Initially, most of the action took place in the orchestra. Initially, most of the action took place in the orchestra. Later, as the importance shifted from the chorus to the characters, the action moved to the stage. Later, as the importance shifted from the chorus to the characters, the action moved to the stage.

13. Costumes and Scenery

14. Costumes

15. The parts of the theater Orchestra: The orchestra (literally, "dancing space") was normally circular. It was a level space where the chorus would dance, sing, and interact with the actors who were on the stage near the skene. The earliest orchestras were simply made of hard earth, but in the Classical period some orchestras began to be paved with marble and other materials. In the center of the orchestra there was often a thymele, or altar. The orchestra of the theater of Dionysus in Athens was about 60 feet in diameter. Orchestra: The orchestra (literally, "dancing space") was normally circular. It was a level space where the chorus would dance, sing, and interact with the actors who were on the stage near the skene. The earliest orchestras were simply made of hard earth, but in the Classical period some orchestras began to be paved with marble and other materials. In the center of the orchestra there was often a thymele, or altar. The orchestra of the theater of Dionysus in Athens was about 60 feet in diameter.

16. The Orchestra

17. The parts of the theater Theatron: The theatron (literally, "viewing-place") is where the spectators sat. The theatron was usually part of hillside overlooking the orchestra, and often wrapped around a large portion of the orchestra (see the diagram above). Spectators in the fifth century BC probably sat on cushions or boards, but by the fourth century the theatron of many Greek theaters had marble seats. Theatron: The theatron (literally, "viewing-place") is where the spectators sat. The theatron was usually part of hillside overlooking the orchestra, and often wrapped around a large portion of the orchestra (see the diagram above). Spectators in the fifth century BC probably sat on cushions or boards, but by the fourth century the theatron of many Greek theaters had marble seats.

18. The theatron

19. The parts of the theater…The Skene Most of the surviving plays also make use of a building, the skene (tent or hut) or scene building. Most of the surviving plays also make use of a building, the skene (tent or hut) or scene building. This was used as a changing-room for actors and as a sounding board, but also served to represent the palace or house in front of which most plays are set. This was used as a changing-room for actors and as a sounding board, but also served to represent the palace or house in front of which most plays are set. Chiefly actors made entrances on horse-drawn chariots. The roof of the building could be used as an acting area, for watchmen, gods and others. Chiefly actors made entrances on horse-drawn chariots. The roof of the building could be used as an acting area, for watchmen, gods and others. There is some oblique suggestion in two texts of the period that permanent screens with architectural images were used, not sets for specific plays, but permanent fixtures. There is some oblique suggestion in two texts of the period that permanent screens with architectural images were used, not sets for specific plays, but permanent fixtures. It is conceivable, too, that there was some rather underground passage, allowing ghosts to appear from below. It is conceivable, too, that there was some rather underground passage, allowing ghosts to appear from below.

20. The Skene

21. Parts of the theater Parodos: The parodoi (literally, "passageways") are the paths by which the chorus and some actors (such as those representing messengers or people returning from abroad) made their entrances and exits. The audience also used them to enter and exit the theater before and after the performance. Parodos: The parodoi (literally, "passageways") are the paths by which the chorus and some actors (such as those representing messengers or people returning from abroad) made their entrances and exits. The audience also used them to enter and exit the theater before and after the performance.

22. The Parados

23. Skenes and Scenery

24. Special FX The sun provided lighting. The sun provided lighting. Torches were used, more as properties in order to heighten the power of the appearance of certain passages or characters, the furies, for example. Torches were used, more as properties in order to heighten the power of the appearance of certain passages or characters, the furies, for example. The actor was dwarfed by his surroundings. The actor was dwarfed by his surroundings. Tiny movements and the nuance of facial expression used by modern actors would have been invisible to the audience. Gestures had to be large and sweeping and costumes had to be large and flowing in order to allow free, athletic movement, and to make a strong visual impression upon the audience. Tiny movements and the nuance of facial expression used by modern actors would have been invisible to the audience. Gestures had to be large and sweeping and costumes had to be large and flowing in order to allow free, athletic movement, and to make a strong visual impression upon the audience. As facial expression would have been lost beyond the first few rows, masks were used. They were broadly and simply designed to be visible a long way off. As facial expression would have been lost beyond the first few rows, masks were used. They were broadly and simply designed to be visible a long way off. The principal traits of the characters portrayed could be expressed in the mask, and a simple convention arose whereby types of character had their own types of mask. The principal traits of the characters portrayed could be expressed in the mask, and a simple convention arose whereby types of character had their own types of mask. Stereotypical character originated and have since been used in theatre around the world. Stereotypical character originated and have since been used in theatre around the world.

25. Greek Masks

26. Stock Characters The Insincere Man (Eironeia) The Insincere Man (Eironeia) The Flatterer (Kolakeia) The Flatterer (Kolakeia) The Garrulous Man (Adoleschia) The Garrulous Man (Adoleschia) The Boor (Agroikia) The Boor (Agroikia) The Complaisant Man (Areskeia) The Complaisant Man (Areskeia) The Man without Moral Feeling (Aponoia) The Man without Moral Feeling (Aponoia) The Talkative Man (Lalia) The Talkative Man (Lalia) The Fabricator (Logopoiia) The Fabricator (Logopoiia) The Shamelessly Greedy Man (Anaischuntia) The Shamelessly Greedy Man (Anaischuntia) The Pennypincher (Mikrologia) The Pennypincher (Mikrologia)

27. Stock Characters The Offensive Man (Bdeluria) The Offensive Man (Bdeluria) The Hapless Man (Akairia) The Hapless Man (Akairia) The Officious Man (Periergia) The Officious Man (Periergia) The Absent-Minded Man (Anaisthesia) The Absent-Minded Man (Anaisthesia) The Unsociable Man (Authadeia) The Unsociable Man (Authadeia) The Superstitious Man (Deisidaimonia) The Superstitious Man (Deisidaimonia) The Faultfinder (Mempsimoiria) The Faultfinder (Mempsimoiria) The Suspicious Man (Apistia) The Suspicious Man (Apistia) The Repulsive Man (Duschereia) The Repulsive Man (Duschereia) The Unpleasant Man (Aedia) The Unpleasant Man (Aedia) The Man of Petty Ambition (Mikrophilotimia) The Man of Petty Ambition (Mikrophilotimia) The Stingy Man (Aneleutheria) The Stingy Man (Aneleutheria) The Show-Off (Alazoneia) The Show-Off (Alazoneia)

28. Stock Characters The Arrogant Man (Huperephania) The Arrogant Man (Huperephania) The Coward (Deilia) The Coward (Deilia) The Oligarchical Man (Oligarchia) The Oligarchical Man (Oligarchia) The Late Learner (Opsimathia) The Late Learner (Opsimathia) The Slanderer (Kakologia) The Slanderer (Kakologia) The Lover of Bad Company (Philoponeria) The Lover of Bad Company (Philoponeria) The Basely Covetous Man (Aischrokerdeia) The Basely Covetous Man (Aischrokerdeia)

29. “Let me entertain you…” The ancient Greek theatre consisted of loud music, bright colors, and extensive dancing. Their plays showed: The ancient Greek theatre consisted of loud music, bright colors, and extensive dancing. Their plays showed: violence and daily life violence and daily life social and ethical plays social and ethical plays war war murder murder lust lust betrayal betrayal

30. Parts of a Play An ancient Greek play consisted of three major parts: An ancient Greek play consisted of three major parts: The play began with a prologue, a simple speech. The play began with a prologue, a simple speech. Then, there was the entrance of the chorus. Then, there was the entrance of the chorus. Finally, there were major episodes, scenes or acts, of the play. Finally, there were major episodes, scenes or acts, of the play.

31. Types of Greek Plays There were two major types of Greek plays: There were two major types of Greek plays: There was tragedy, which was derived from the word tragos and means goat. There was tragedy, which was derived from the word tragos and means goat. A tragedy received its name from how it was performed. A tragedy had actors who wore goatskins and danced like goats. The best performers were given a kid goat as a prize A tragedy received its name from how it was performed. A tragedy had actors who wore goatskins and danced like goats. The best performers were given a kid goat as a prize The other one was comedy, which was derived from the word ode and means song. The other one was comedy, which was derived from the word ode and means song.

32. Greek Comedy

33. Our first play… “Aulularia” ( The Pot of Gold) was written by Roman playwright, Titus Maccius Plautus. “Aulularia” ( The Pot of Gold) was written by Roman playwright, Titus Maccius Plautus. Throughout time the end of the play was lost… Throughout time the end of the play was lost… We as the readers get to decide how the characters shall end their story!! We as the readers get to decide how the characters shall end their story!!

34. Greek Comedy Structure of the Comedy: Structure of the Comedy: Part One: Part One: prolog - chorus gives debate or "agon" over merits of the ides prolog - chorus gives debate or "agon" over merits of the ides parabasis - a choral ode addressing the audience, in which a social or political problem in discussed parabasis - a choral ode addressing the audience, in which a social or political problem in discussed Part Two: Part Two: scenes show the result of the happy idea final scene: (komos) - all reconcile and exit to feast or revelry in 404 B.C., Athens was defeated in the Peloponnesian War; social and political satire declines. scenes show the result of the happy idea final scene: (komos) - all reconcile and exit to feast or revelry in 404 B.C., Athens was defeated in the Peloponnesian War; social and political satire declines.

35. “Aulularia” A pot of gold, an unmarried daughter, a planned marriage, and an unplanned pregnancy! How will our play end?

36. Questions… 1. Where did the term thespians originate? 2. What festival started dramatic activities prior to the creation of a play? 3. What style of theater is used in Greek drama? 4. What is significant about costumes in Greek drama? 5. Briefly describe the use of the stage.

37. Questions 6. List three stock characters used in Greek drama. 7. Why did stock characters originate? 8. What are the three main parts of a Greek theater? 9. How did actors typically enter the stage? 10. Around what year do our records date back informing us of the first days of Greek drama?

38. The End!