Greek Theatre

The Greeks were the first to properly introduce theatre into their society. They made many contributions to the history of theatre and had many trademarks. For example: the Greeks used a chorus to help tell the story and interact with the audience much like an ensemble. Playing a part in the chorus is extremely difficult as you have to work together with a large group always knowing where everyone is and what to do. The Chorus was usually made up of 50 men who would help tell the story by providing further insight to a scene. For example to show rising tension they might do increasingly rapid movements and become louder to increase tension. 

This lesson prompted me to research further into Greek theatre trademarks. The Greeks were known for their colourful costumes, elaborate sets, music and above all masks. The Chorus would all wear masks similar to each other which would make showing emotions to the audience very easy. The orchestra was a circular piece of ground at the bottom of the 'theatron' where the chorus and actors performed; the word means "dancing space", as the chorus also danced in early periods. Originally unraised, Greek theatre would later incorporate a raised stage for easier viewing.

When the poets introduced real costumes, they imitated the contemporary dressing : the "chiton" and the "hemateon". The chiton was made of linen or silk and it was worn long. The hemateon was an exterior cloth, worn over the shoulders. It was usually made of wool. The costumes were usually bright and colourful to show off Greek wealth and catch the audiences eye. 

Theatre was often presented at festivals in order to celebrate something (like a god). One example being the festival of Dionysus where the play Antigone would be held. This can be to a god and show their appreciation or to remember a particular event etc. 

Greek theatre mainly consisted of tragedies and comedies. These plays would often be based off of ancient Greek mythology or real comedic situations that were happening at the time (for example making fun of politicians and the time). I Studied the Typhonomachy which is the name for the day Typhon (the god of storms) fought Zeus (the god of gods and lightning). The myth explains the reason for volcanoes as Zeus trapped under Mount Etna and it is said every time it erupts it is the fire in Typhons eyes or the rocks of magma flowing out of his mouth. 

Many of these myths were told to find reason for the unknown. Especially when they are scared of something the humans would find an explanation for it (for example through the use of gods) and often worship them to hope for safety. This is the origin of sacrifices and offerings. In order to please the gods animals such as oxen, pigs and goats would be sacrificed. 

One example of a Greek play is one that we are studying called 'Antigone'. Antigone is an Athenian tragedy written by Sophocles in 441 BC and first performed at the Festival of Dionysus of the same year. It is thought to be the second oldest surviving play of Sophocles, preceded by Ajax, which was written around the same period. 

SUMMARY:

Antigone is about a girl, called Antigone, who's brothers (Eteocles and Polynices) fight each other for the throne of Thebes and both die in battle. Antigone wishes to bury Polynices however Creon orders everyone to publicly shame him as a traitor. Antigone is caught and sentenced to death for disobeying Creon. She is immured in a cave, where she hangs herself. Antigone's beloved Haemon (the son of Creon) also commits suicide due to this. Creon's (the King of Thebes) queen Eurydice also dies.

The play's main themes explore civil disobedience, morality, loyalty, authority, and gender. Antigone is a sequel to the play Oedipus Rex who is actually Antigone's parent! The characters of Antigone and Oedipus are alike in most respects. Both, for example, have hubris as their tragic flaw. Both Oedipus and Antigone make decisions against the counsel of their friends and loved ones. However, there are also some key differences one being that Antigone never shows any regret about breaking the law and hurting her loved ones whereas Oedipus blinds herself in guilt.

Some other famous Greek plays and playwrights include: Medea (Euripides), The Bacchae (Euripides), The Persians (Aeschylus) and Peace (Aristophanes).