Oedipus the King Introduction

How do you think reading a drama differs from seeing a drama?

Oedipus the King Introduction

DramaComedyTragedy

Aristotle: Poetics 384-322 BCE

Tragic heroTragic flaw (hamartia)

hubris

Oedipus the King Introduction

What is the purpose of art? Why would someone want to see a play (a tragedy) where “bad” things happen?

Oedipus the King Introduction

Aristotle continuedPathos

Catharsis

Watching plays – tragedies in particular – serves a civic function

Oedipus the King Introduction – An Ancient Theater

Oedipus the King Introduction

Sophocles (496-406 BCE)Oedipus Trilogy

Oedipus the King Oedipus at Colonus Antigone

Battle of Salamis (480 BCE)Athens

Oedipus the King Introduction

Greek theater began as a dance, a religious ceremony Choros

Worship of DionysusA speaker added

HypokritesThespis added second actor

Birth of theaterSophocles added a third actor

Oedipus the King Introduction – An Ancient Theater

Oedipus the King Introduction

In late 5th century, theater still a place of worship

Spring festival of DionysusAmphitheater: ~14,000 seatsNo “special effects”Plays based on well-known storiesMasksRole of chorus

Oedipus the King Introduction

Oedipus the King Introduction

Parts of a Classical Greek Drama Prologue Parados 1st Episode 1st Stasimon………… Exodus