1. GREEK THEATRE

2. Greek Theatre Texts: 30 tragedies and 12 comedies Archeology: buildings, painted vases Festival of Dionysus- 4days Between March and April-the beginning of sailing season 10 members of the jury were voted on at the beginning of the festival. Lots of audience pressure! Extremely competitive. Winner’s name inscribed on wall of theatre-Glory of state!

3. Greek Theatre 3 types of Greek plays Tragedies-Most important to the Greeks and based on myth and history. Comedies Satyrs 4 great playwrights-5 th c. B.C. Aristophanes-comedian Aeschylus-tragedian Sophocles-tragedian Euripides-tragedian

4. Greek Theatre Open air, built into hillsides Raised seating Capable of holding large audiences. Example: the theatre in Athens that was built for the Festival of Dionysus could hold at least 14,000 people. Many modern theaters are built to mimic the Greek theatre model.

5. CHORUS

6. Chorus The chorus was a group of 12+ well- trained young men. Many actors were members of the chorus before they became actors. The leader of the chorus was called the choragus They chorus sang, danced, and wore elaborate costumes and masks. Very exciting and popular with the audience. Chorus  Modern theatre and music in modern theatre.

7. Chorus The chorus bridged the gap between audience and actors. set the scene Commented on the action helped the audience think about relevant, important issues. Represented the opinion of the people. Performed in the orchestra between scenes. These interludes between scenes are often referred to as odes or stasimon.

8. Masks Dionysus 1. democratic god, not aristocratic 2. shown as masked 3. possession, loss of individual identity, dance Masks Religious worship Useful-change characters 2-3 actors on stage at a time

9. SOPHOCLES

10. Sophocles Born at Colonus in 496 B.C. Died when he was 90. Wrote 123 plays Only 7 of his plays exist now First won at the Festival of Dionysus in 468 B.C. defeated Aeschylus Won a total of 18 times at the festival Tried acting in his own play like his competitor Aeschylus, but his voice was not strong enough.

11. Sophocles Antigone was first produced around 441 B.C. Refused to leave Colonus/Athens despite numerous invitations Close friend of Pericles and Herodotus Contributions to theatre: Skene painting Introduction of a third character into Greek tragedies