Typical performance spaces-
A semi-circular area, with a
round orchestra on a flattened terrace at the foot of a hill, the slope of which produced a
natural theatron, (watching place). These spaces were very large, and
there could be up to fourteen thousand audience members.
Size of casts-
Initially, the chorus was made up of 50 members, but this
was reduced to 12 or 15 in tragedies
and 24 in comedies, as time went on. All cast members were male, and the
performance was competitive, with awards being presented at the end.
Settings-
Back drop later on- skene- changing area.
Props-
There were several scenic elements commonly used in Greek theatre:
-
Machina: a crane that gave the
impression of a flying actor (also referred to as, deus ex machina,
meaning, 'the god from the machine').
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Ekkyklema: a wheeled wagon used to
bring dead characters for the audience to see
-
trap doors, or similar openings in the ground to
lift people onto the stage
-
Pinakes: pictures hung to create
scenery
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Thyromata: more complex pictures built
into the second-level (3rd level from the ground)
-
Phallic props were used for satyr plays,
symbolizing fertility in honor of Dionysus.
Costume-
Masks were made
for the actors and for the chorus, who help the audience know what a character
is thinking. The chorus all wore the same mask, because they represent the same
character. The masks brought the characters' faces closer to the audience, as
they had exaggerated features and expressions. This also meant that an actor
could appear and reappear in different roles, since the audience did not
identify the actor with one character. Their variations help the audience to
distinguish sex, age, and social status. Also, they could show a change in a
character’s appearance easily, for example, Oedipus after blinding himself.
Actors that played
tragic roles wore boots called cothurni that elevated them above the
other actors. The actors with comedic roles only wore a thin soled shoe called
a sock.
Lighting-
As the stage was open-air, the performance relied on
natural light. Plays were performed at certain times of the day, so the height
and angle of the suns natural light could enhance the scene. They also used
large mirrors to alter the lighting. If they wanted to establish any type
of moods then there would an intermission until the time of day was right, so
that the position of the sun would suit the need scenes atmosphere.
Typical themes-
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The impact of war
-
The state versus the individual
-
The state versus family
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The nature of "barbarism"
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Pride and the polis
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The role of the
gods in human affairs
-
Gender roles and relationships.
Intentions-
-
Was there typically a meaning or message?
Tragedies often conveyed the immorality of pride, and showed
the downfall of those with hubris.
-
Did playwrights tend to have political or
cultural motives?
Political satire was common, suggesting they had a political
motive but not one that supported the contemporary politics. They also had a
cultural influence as plays were often used as means for honouring
Dionysus.
Were the plays influenced by society?
Yes, due to religion and satire.
Did playwrights use typical plot/ structural techniques?
Tragedy:
Aristotelian theory suggests that the following factors
contribute to a tragedy;
Fatal flaw- a trait in the character that leads to their
downfall.
Hubris- excessive pride (in Greek tragedy this is
specifically in defiance of the Gods).
Hamartia- the act, fuelled by the fatal flaw, which causes/
accelerates the downfall of the tragic hero.
Tragic hero- a literary character who makes an error in
judgement that inevitably leads to their destruction.
Malcontent villain- a character who is discontent with their
social status and manipulates the situation to overcome this.
Machiavellian villain- a character who will use any means
possible to get what they want, regardless of how their actions affect others.
Mimesis- the audience recognises actions/ character traits,
and finds a “truth” in what they are experiencing.
Peripeteia- a dramatic change in fortune.
Pathos- the suffering.
Agnorisis- the moment of realisation when a tragic hero
recognises the source of their tragedy, and/or the way to be released from it
(often death).
Catharsis- the audience are cleansed of their emotions, and
feel satisfied by the end of the tragedy.
Comedy-
Although innovations occurred, a
comedy play followed a conventional structure. The first part was the parados where the Chorus of as many
as 24 performers entered and performed a number of song and dance routines. The
second phase of the show was the agon which was
often a witty verbal contest or debate between the principal actors with
fantastical plot elements and the fast changing of scenes which may have
included some improvisation. The third part of the play was the parabasis, when the Chorus spoke
directly to the audience and even directly spoke for the poet. The finale of a
comedy play was the exodos when the
Chorus performed another song and dance routine.
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