What Are The Characteristics Of The Greek Theatre

Zain Khan

November 24, 2015

T-TH 10:00-11:15 AM

Drama 1301

Greek Theater

The ancient Greeks history dates back around 700 B.C. The Greek theatre showcases festivals as a sign to honor their gods. Dionysia, was the name of the lavish festival in order celebrate and honor Dionysus, the God of fertility and wine. The center focus or main events in the celebration were the theatrical performances related to three famous genres of Greek theater. The three significant genres that structured the current Greek theater know as today are ancient Greek comedy, ancient Greek satyr, and most importantly ancient Greek tragedy. The phrase tragedy, as known as tragos and ode, literally defines “goat song”, which signifies the goat like dance performed by the festival participants around sacrificial goats as achievements and

Mythology and history are the key components of inspiration for most Greek tragedies. Majority of them reveal the message and meaning of life and characteristic of the Greek gods. The three most acclaimed playwrights of the 5th century are Aeschylus, Euripides, and Sophocles. One of the first poets of tragedy is Aeschylus, known as the father of tragedy. While the theatre world was just beginning to evolve, he incorporated his contemporary dramatization by introducing the second actor to the stage. It allowed more dialogue and drama that the audience can relate to. He is also credited with the creation of trilogies. An example of his many plays, The Suppliants, which reveals the struggles of Danaus’s daughter seeking refuge and safety from the sons of Aegyptus. Another remarkable playwright of the tragedy genre was Sophocles; with his introduction of a third character and the inflation of chorus members. He is also the first to utilize painted sceneries and establish the importance of scenes. One of the most significant works is called