Athens and the theatre

GCSEClassicsRevision

K. Thom

The theatre

• The Athenians invented drama• The main theatre was the Theatre of Dionysos• This was built into the hillside of the Acropolis• The theatre was part of the sanctuary of

Dionysos – linking drama and religion

The layout The seating area; more than 15,000 seats. All with good views of the stage + excellent acoustics.

Where the chorus sang and acted. This is also where the ALTAR was; sacrifices were made before every play, every morning.

Two parodoi were entrances for the audience AND cast.

The PROSKENE: a raised stage

Actors would change in the skene + props were stored here. In front of the skene were double doors, usually used to represent a building entrance.

Details • Limited special effects during plays (so the acting had to be of

a very high standard)...a) a mekhane; a hoist to make actors fly in the air (usually used for the role of a god)b) The ekkuklema; a trolley like device usually had a dead body on it to represent a murdered characterc) Thunder; possibly rolling large stones under the theatron seatsd) the main acts would climb on the skene or proskene (reserved for the role of gods [again])e) The front of the skene was painted as a temple or palace

Exam Question - 2012

a) Describe briefly the layout of a Greek theatre [5]

b) Explain how the features of a Greek theatre helped the audience to enjoy a play. [5]

c) Hoe exciting do you think it was to watch and listen to the Chorus in a Greek play?. [5]

Did the theatre suit the needs of the people who used it?

1. The size (large) enables it to accommodate a large number of people2. Its shape offered superb acoustics + good visibility because of tiered

seating3. There was easy access to seats + special VIP seating4. The orchestra offered an open, visible space for dancing + processions5. The elevated proskene separated actors from the chorus + enhanced

visibility6. The skene provided a back drop, changing area, extra platform for

acting, keeping props7. The ekkuklema allowed for the revealing of dead bodies8. The mekhane would be visually effective and allow for the introduction

on god roles9. The scenery and sound effects would enhance the dramatic experience

Problems with the layout...

• Seating was not very comfortable for long periods of time

• The theatre was open to the elements• Some of the audience were a long distance

from the actors• The elevated proskene separated actors from

the chorus• The scenery could not be changed

Tragedies • Very serious + grand• Set in the heroic past• Actors would play parts of gods, goddesses, kings and queens• Roles of slaves and soldiers were also common in tragedies • Asks life’s deepest questions: why do people suffer and how much do

the gods look after people?• Main character – a hero who has suffered a major catastrophe and

has to cope bravely• No happy endings • Tragic costumes + masks = serious and thoughtful expressions• Main item for costumes was a long robe [which were sometimes stiff

and heavy] + clothes were colourful and decorated with patchwork patterns (often reflecting heroic or royal qualities)

• Actors wore soft leather foot wear

Comedies • Set in the everyday, present Athens• Riotous and hilarious (and rude!)• Masks designed to look ridiculous and over sized• Costumes = short tunic and tights were thickly padded• Mocking the people of Athens especially politicians and well

known figures e.g. Socrates• Use of a large leather phallus was common, worn by male

characters to simulate an erection!• (Dionysus was god of fertility so the phallus was linked to

worship)• Actors rolled around in slap stick fashion• Main roles included: a simple country farmer, a smooth

talking city dweller, a grumpy old man and a clever slave

Exam Question - 2011

a) What did Tragic actors wear? [5]

b) Explain how their costumes and masks contributed to their performance on stage. [5]

c) Imagine you are an ancient Athenian. Would you rather have watched a tragedy or a comedy? Explain your answer. [5]

The three actors

• Each play only had three main acts• The actors played a number of roles (up to 5

distinct characters)• They wore full head masks to show their

different characters• The masks are usually made of linen, cork or

wood and had hair on top

The chorus• Made up of 15 members for a tragedy• 24 members for a comedy• All local men selected from Athens (amateurs)• They sang + danced between scenes• Sang and performed on the orchestra• This gave main actors a chance to change costumes + masks• The chorus was used to comment on the play, giving the audience

back ground information or creating tension or mood e.g suspense• All wore uniform costumes that depicted their place in society e.g.

An old man would wear dignified robes• In a comedy the chorus would often dress up as animals• E.g. Aristotle wrote a plays called Birds, Frogs and Wasps – for each

play the chorus would dress in the relevant animal costume [great fun for the audience]