Greek Theater

Sophocles

Standards and objectives ELACC9-10RL5: Analyze how an author’s

choices concerning how to structure a text, order events within it (e.g., parallel plots), and manipulate time (e.g., pacing, flashbacks) create such effects as mystery, tension, or surprise.

ELACC9-10RL6: Analyze a particular point of view or cultural experience reflected in a work of literature from outside the United States, drawing on a wide reading of world literature.

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Four Qualities of Greek Drama:

1. Performed for special festivals Athens had four festivals worshipping Dionysus --

god of wine, fertility, rebirth 2. Competitive -- prizes awarded

Actors and playwrights competed 3. Choral -- singing seems to have been an

important part Some believe the chorus sang, moved, danced

4. Associated with religion The chorus sang the main ideas of the play,

provided point-of-view,and focused on issues of the play and implications of the action, established the play's ethical system, and participated in the action

What makes it different?Tragedy then ComedyViolence and death happen offstageMessengers to tell us what happens

offstageStories based on myth or historyOne character (The Chorus) is made

up of 12 people who speak together. They represent the village elders.

Parts of the Greek Theater

• Orchestra Level space where the chorus would dance, sing, and interact with the actors.

• Skene the building behind the stage where the actors made exits and entrances.

• Parodos the paths by onto the Orchestra

• Theatron audience seating on the hill

Amphiaraion Theater

Theater of Dionysis

Sophocles(496-406 B.C.)introduced the 3rd actorfixed the chorus at 15 (had been 50)complex charactersscenes climactic poetry clear and beautiful theme emphasized: the choices of

peoplewrote Oedipus Rex and Antigone

Characteristics of a Tragic Hero Royal or important Must be good Must be true to life Has a tragic flaw

often Hubris or Pride Has a downfall Audience pities him

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Aristotle’s Unities unity of time —the play takes place in one day unity of space —the play must takes place in one place unity of action —the play deals with one idea

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Structure of PlaysPrologue: Spoken by one or two

characters – provides the backgroundParodos: Song sung by the chorus

as it first enters the orchestra and dances.

Episode: (Scenes) When the characters and chorus talk.

Exodos: At the end of play, the chorus exits singing a song which offers words of wisdom related to the outcome of the play.

Quiz1-4 - Draw the Greek Theater and label it.5. Greek theater did not start out as

entertainment, but as a _________ ceremony.

6. The Chorus is made up of ___ _______.7. Who is the author of the play?8. Dionysius is the god of _____ and

partying.9. A tragic hero is bad or good?10. Tragic heroes have a tragic ________,

like pride.