There is no denying the fact that theatre is truly a link between all civilizations it comes in many forms spiritual rituals, storytelling, hymns, odes, and performances. It has been utilized during the many downfalls of civilizations as a means of communication and was truly shaped by the Greeks. The origins of theatre can be traced back to the Greeks as a religious ritual to their gods, to their implementations of the technical aspects of theatre, through their plays and also through the actual stages that they constructed. These aspects have proven to have a lasting effect even into todays society and without the Greeks influence on theatre, theatre as we know it, would cease to exist (Schanker and Ommanney 298).
The origins of Greek drama began as a religious ritual to honor their gods although the one most noted is the Greek god Dionysus god of wine fertility and revelry (Wilson and Goldfarb). There were two major rituals that occurred twice annually in the City of Athens (Fiero 90) and were performed by the chorus. The chorus would dance and chant songs, in the orcoastra around an alter where a goat was sacrificed in order to commemorate the gods death. (Schanker and Ommanney 298). When the first actor, Thespis, stepped out of the chorus it proved to be a monumental change within theatre and he was known as the first actor the term “thespian” has now been given to every actor since (Schanker and Ommanney 298). These rituals then evolved into dramatic contests and became part of a festival that lasted around five to six days. On each of the last three days four plays were presented each by a different playwright (Schanker and Ommanney 298). It is recorded that in 534 B.C.E Thespis was not only the first playwright and actor...
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... of humans themselves. Human desires such as wants, needs, imagination, the desire to question understand and analyze others and the self. Although many levels of entertainment have emerged and been transformed following the Greeks, all forms of entertainment found in modern society can be traced back to Greek theatre. As Walter Benjamine stated “memory is not an instrument for exploring the past but its theatre. It is the medium of past experience, as the ground is the medium in which dead cities lie interred.” The contributions made by the Greeks through the origins of drama, to their plays, their technical aspects of theatre and the actual stage construction have proven to leave a lasting effect on civilizations throughout the world and remain evident in modern day entertainment from singing yo dancing, youtube to television, and from film to the actual theatre.
With the lack of written language at the time, art and speech was the best way to communicate and share ideas in ancient Rome and Greece. Mosaics, fresco, wall and vase paintings, especially in the house of nobles, was a regularity in homes. The constant purchase of art could be accredited to the people love of the gods. This is a perfect example of how language was so important to the growth of ancient civilizations such as Greece. Do to the lasting poverty in this culture; intrinsic pictorial art wasn’t something seen everyday by all. Many of those less fortune relied on language to pass traditions, educating the young. In regards to entertainment, style played an important role in attracting the eyes of
Tragedies in the Greek and Renaissance theater were very effective in portraying the social and religious constraints that tainted society. Both playwrights, through the use of their ingenuity and vast literary knowledge were able to perfect and display such flawless spectacles. The differences and similarities between Greek tragedy and Renaissance tragedy, although vast, can be narrowed down to the audience. Greek and Renaissance theater targeted very different audiences that demanded a certain type of play in order to be entertained.
The theater of Dionysus stands at the foot of the acropolis and its date originates back to the 6th Century, B.C.. Its originally wood seats rise in tiers above one another against the slope of the acropolis, creating a natural setting for the plays (D'ooge, 231). The Greek Theater was built to house a drama which, during the festivals of Dionysus, had evolved from the long tradition of choral hymns which were presented each year. As Greek culture changed and flourished, entertainment transformed from being a series of choral chanting and dancing to placing an emphasis on the actor. As the actors' importance grew, there became a need for a stage from which they could be seen by each of the fourteen thousand spectators the theater housed. The chorus was still a very active part of the entertainment and they resided in the orchestra (Norwich, 64). The orchestra was the oldest part of the Greek theater and thus, when the actor was given
"Different Types of Greek Drama and their importance." PBS. Public Broadcasting Station, n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2014.
Like any journey, it is necessary to begin with a single step – the evolution of lighting in theatre began with the resources available to the ancient Roman and Greek societies; sunlight and candles. As such, performances and events were held at the height of the day, so as to allow the most natural light to fill the stage. While this method successfully brought the stage to life and made the actors and scenery visible, it did little to create dynamics, establish mood, or manipulate the audience’s perspective and emotion. Rather than a creative tool, lighting was viewed as a solution to a problem – a product born out of necessity. Innovative uses of light were limited to grand demonstrations that often became the centerpieces of Greek and Roman theatre. For example, large burned houses graced center stage, but any other indications of lighting were strictly two-dimensional, painted on the backdrop. While this forced the audience to focus their energy and attention on the players and the action, it also limited their experience – without lighting t...
Theatre serves to reflect society. From Shakespeare to Sophocles, a playwright’s work illustrates the different mechanics within a culture or time period or society. Theatre offers viewers the experience of taking a step back and looking in on themselves. In this way, theatre is a mirror for the world and the way it functions.
Greek and Elizabethan theatre, while similar in some respects, had a few large differences. The Greeks believed in a certain unity of theme, which was prevalent throughout the production. Greek plays were often drawn from myth or of historical significance, so it seems that only ki...
Theater is a natural outlet for our desire to hear and tell stories, and in some ways it is even more primal and powerful than the written word. At its worst, theater will merely bore; while at its best it will not only entertain but move and shape its audience. Two such genres of theater, or drama, have consistently achieved this effect. Tragedy, represented by the weeping actors’ mask, usually features the title character’s fall from greatness to ruin, guided by the gods or fate. Oedipus Rex, written by Sophocles, is the epitome of classic Tragedy, as defined by Aristotle (96-101). Here, Oedipus falls from kingship to blindness and exile. Drama’s other great genre, Comedy, is represented by the laughing actors’ mask. In Comedy the action is usually propelled by a problem or crisis of some sorts, but unlike tragedy it usually ends well. Lysistrata, written by Aristophanes, is a perfect example of classic Comedy. The farcical story line follows the title character, who rallies the women of Greece to withhold sex from their mates all in the good cause of ending war. At first glance these two genres would seem to have nothing in common with each other. Comedy entails laughter and good feelings while the audience will leave a Tragedy in tears. But the best of Comedy and the best of Tragedy will produce the same affect: catharsis. Catharsis is the purgation and purifying of the emotions, specifically fear or pity. (“Catharsis”) The plays that manage to produce catharsis in their audience are the ones that we return to time and time again. Although catharsis is one of the main objectives of Greek Tragedy (Jacobus 34), Comedy done well will shape and move its audience in the same way. These two classic genres use characters that are co...
Nevertheless, the question at hand is whether theatre will have a role in the society of the future, where cinema, digital television, and computers will continue to expand and grow. The answer to this question is yes. Heading into the 21st century, theatre will only be a fraction in a solid media industry. However, despite all the excitement technology brings with it, they will never replace theatre because it has something that can not be recreated or offered anywhere else. The cinema and its larger than life world appeals as an affordable alternative. Digital television provides digital interaction between the viewer and the producer. Theatre on the other hand, and its contents may take on a larger dimension, but we receive it directly in flesh and blood – one to one. The magical atmosphere between an actor and spectator who are constantly aware of each other and the theatre’s level of engagement is fundamentally more human and far more intimate.
Societies progress can lead to intercultural similarities, and vastily obvious differences. These influences can be seen within the contemporary theatre of the times, explaining and progressing the status of community through storytelling and performance. The reactions to these changes are important, and help shape the society we have today. These elements are best seen between the medieval ans renaissance period.
Theater originated from the religious rites of ancient Greek tribes. Located in northern Greece, a cult was formed to worship the God of wine and fertility, Dionysus. The cult held religious celebrations which included large consumptions of alcohol, animal sacrifices, and sometimes massive orgies. Theater was thought as a ritual to release powerful emotions and create pure ecstasy. The cult spread south into Greece and by 500 BC annual festivals in honor of Dionysus were held every spring.
Greek tragedies began at a festival in honor of Dionysius, who was the god of wine. At the early festivals, drinking, quarrels, and sexual activity occurred frequently. Later on, tragedies gained much more respect and were taken very seriously. The plays dealt with man's relationship with god(s). These plays also dealt with a specific instance of life. The chorus wore goat-skins and served a great purpose in the tragedies, themselves. Thespis, the father of the tragedy, created an actor who talked with the leader of the chorus to further make the importance of the chorus seen.
Genres, like comedy and tragedy were produced in ancient Rome period. Plays were also produced. Many writers that we learn about now, like William Shakespeare and Robert Graves have been influenced by the Romans. It is important that we are aware and educated of how and who originated materials that are a part of our everyday life. The legacy of the ancient Egyptians and Romans will be forever known.
Theatre as we know it now was born more than two thousand years ago and has gone through many streams until it reached the current modernity. Among these streams is the avant-garde theatre. This theatre achieved a break in the traditional theatre and became the forefront of a new experimental theatre. Therefore it is necessary to ask how this theatre started, what impact it had on society and if this type of theatre is still common in our modern era.