...Greek Theater -----Theater began from myth,ritual and ceremony Western Classical Plays/Opera ------Thearter means “place of seeing” Ancient theater A.Greek theater began in ancient Greece. It began around 77 b.c. , with festivals honoring their many gods The three well known Greek Tragedy playwrights 1.sophocles 2.europides 3.aeschylus The three types of drama 1. Tragedy – serious play with sad ending 2. Comedy – light and amusing play with happy ending 3. Satyr play- comic play of Ancient Greece burlesquing a mythological subject and having a chorus representing satyr(forests god in greek mythology who have faces and bodies like men and ears , legs ,and tails like goat Tragedy - a compound of two Geek words “tragos” or “goat” and (ode) “meaning “song” referring to goats sacrificed to Dionysus (god of wine and fertility ) --the most admired type of play in Greece thespis -- “father of tragedy “, firsyt actor who introduced the use of masks Aristophanes – wrote most of the comedy plays where derived from imitation *** lysitriata – humorous tale about a strong woman who led female coalition to end war in Greece **** Cyclops – an adventure comedy by Euripides Roman theater * Started in 3rd century bc * It had varied interesting art forms ,like festivals performance of street theater , acrobatics , the staging of comedies...
Words: 296 - Pages: 2
...The roles of women in ancient Greek tragedies . The ancient Greek society was a society dominated by men, even the plays and proses mostly constituted of heroics of men, like Hercules, Achilles and many other. In such societies , women were considered to be frail and were expected to be submissive to men, a prize of war for victors, and their main role was to support their husbands. However, in many tragedies, women were often depicted as major characters, inkling that women may not have been the weak the submissive characters as they were thought to be. Many well-known Greek plays contained several well-written, complex, and heroic female characters. Each female character took upon herself, the role of villain, the role of victim, and the role of heroine. The tragedies also revealed the problems women encountered in this era within marriage, inheritance and social life when they attempted to break out of their traditional gender roles. Clytemnestra, daughter of Leda and Tyndareus, was probably one of the most recognizable female villains in history due to her partaking in the murder of her husband Agamemnon and his female consort, Cassandra. . in the play Agamemnon by Aeschylus, she was depicted as brutal, treacherous, and cunning woman. Her speeches made the citizens and the audiences to be well-aware of how she would welcome her husband home. “Let there spring up into the house he never hoped To see, where justice leads him in, a crimson path. In all things...
Words: 2094 - Pages: 9
...Modern Performance and Adaptation of Greek Tragedy Helene P. Foley Barnard College, Columbia University “Leave it to a playwright who has been dead for 2,400 years to jolt Broadway out of its dramatic doldrums” begins a recent New York Times review (December 4, 1998) of a British Electra by Sophocles starring Zoe Wanamaker and Claire Bloom. This fall the Times has repeatedly remarked on the “deluge” of Greek tragedy in the 1998-99 theater season: the National Theater of Greece’s Medea, Joanne Akalaitis’ The Iphigeneia Cycle (a double bill that combines Euripides’ two Iphigeneia plays), a revival of Andrei Serban’s famous Fragments of a Greek Trilogy, and a four-and-a-half-hour adaptation of the Oedipus Rex were announced at the start of the season. Off-off Broadway versions will inevitably follow. The Brooklyn Academy of Music even hosted a dance/theatre piece based on the Eleusinian Mysteries. 1 The Classic Stage Company, an off-Broadway theater group devoted to performance and adaptation of Western classics, currently receives more scripts that re-work Greek tragedy than any other category of drama. 2 From a global perspective, New York is simply reflecting a trend set by important modern playwrights and directors worldwide. Greek drama now occupies a regular place in the London theater season. In the past twenty years, acclaimed productions have been mounted not only in Europe but also in Japan, India, and Africa. Translations are even beginning to proliferate in China, occasionally...
Words: 4799 - Pages: 20
...help avert it, such as treating depression (if they have it), suicidal help lines, and education about identifying the risk factors and unhealthy behaviors associated with it. Much like the ancient Greeks, people nowadays commit suicide for...
Words: 941 - Pages: 4
...Famous people and works Ancient Greek society placed considerable emphasis on literature and, according to many, the whole Western literary tradition began there, with the epic poems of Homer. In addition to the invention of the epic and lyric forms of poetry, though, the Greeks were also essentially responsible for the invention of drama, and they produced masterpieces of both tragedy and comedy that are still reckoned among the crowning achievements of drama to this day. Indeed, there is scarcely an idea discussed today that has not already been debated and embroidered on by the writers of ancient Greece. The epic poems attributed to Homer are usually considered the first extant work of Western literature, and they remain giants in the literary canon for their skillful and vivid depictions of war and peace, honor and disgrace, love and hatred. Hesiod was another very early Greek poet and his didactic poems give us a systematic account of Greek mythology, the creation myths and the gods, as well as an insight into the day-to-day lives of Greek farmers of the time. The fables of Aesop represent a separate genre of literature, unrelated to any other, and probably developed out of an oral tradition going back many centuries. Sappho and, later, Pindar, represent, in their different ways, the apotheosis of Greek lyric poetry. The earliest known Greek dramatist was Thespis, the winner of the first theatrical contest held at Athens in the 6th Century BCE. Choerilus, Pratinas...
Words: 1026 - Pages: 5
...University March 4, 2010 Early Greece and All Its Glory Phoenician Alphabet The Greeks adopted the Phoenician alphabet. Just like the Phoenicians the Greek alphabet is written from right to left. The direction of writing later changed to ox-turning. Ox-turning is a written language that is written from right to left and on the next line it continues from left to right and so on. Eventually, the Greek alphabet does change to left to right but that’s during the fifth century. (Bantwal, 2008) Greek Education For Greek children, their education mostly consisted of poetry and song. (Hadas, 1950) Education was more popular among young boys but it was not uncommon for girls. The wealthier children remained in school for ten years. Grammatistes, paidotribes and kitharistes were the teachers who taught the children. Grammatistes taught literature, arithmetic, reading and writing. Paidotribes coached boxing, wrestling, and gymnastics. Kitharistes taught music. At age eighteen, boys would train for the military for two years before further education. (Discovery Channel, n.d) The Illiad and the Odyssey Homer wrote the two most classic poems titled the Illiad and the Odyssey. The Illiad is based on the last six weeks of the Trojan War. The main character of the Illiad is Achilles. Achilles and Agamemnon get in a heated argument and Achilles retracts from the war. The Greeks are losing the battle and Achilles does not rejoin the battle until he hears that his...
Words: 2234 - Pages: 9
...Literary Analysis of Antigone Sandra Peppers South University Antigone is an epic Greek tragedy written, by Sophocles, around 442 B.C.E. The women of ancient Greek were considered to be less significant than were the males of the same time period. As with this tragedy, gender roles play a pivotal part in understanding why Antigone, the female heroine, did what she did and graciously accepted the punishment that she was dealt. During this particular epic, it will be evident that power, wisdom and experience lay with males, while females were subjected to the obedience and dominance of the males. The males of this era were more assertive and demanded respect from females, as well as other males. Antigone, in the play by the same name, is portrayed as a strong willed female who has strong family ties and will do whatever it takes to honor her family. Antigone is not one to stand aside and play the role of victim when, in her heart, she knows what is right. Antigone is the daughter of the late king of Thebes, Oedipus. After the death of Oedipus, Etecoles and Polyneices take turns in ruling Thebes, but ultimately die by each other’s sword. Antigone has just learned that Creon, the new king of Thebes (and her uncle), has just issued a law stating that Eteocles will have a proper burial whereas Polyneices, who was considered a traitor, will not be mourned or wept over. He will be left for the birds to feast upon; ‘ But the hapless corpse of Polyneices-as rumour saith, it...
Words: 1019 - Pages: 5
... Greek Theatre Greek theatre was the epitome of theatre. It brought many different aspects to western civilization and our theatre system. The things you see in most of the American theatrical styles came straight from Greek style of theatre from long ago. Although our times are different from the rise of Greek theatre, the modern day theatre in western civilization it has somehow managed to tame the style of Greek theatre and cause a resurgence. Greek theatre has strongly influenced western civilizations style of the theatre throughout the years, and is causing it to resurge. This is a great thing, most people would think leave the past in the past, but this part of the past is very complex. The history of the Greeks style of theatre has paved the way for our modern day theatre and has enhanced the performance style by combining both styles. Modern theatre has created their own way of how theatre should be conducted, but in the end it was greatly influenced by Greek theatre. The resurgence of Greek theatre has begun to take place within our school systems. Most public or private school is requiring every student to at least take one level of theatre history, or performance theatre courses. This is a solution people can take so that the Greek styles of theatre will never die. We must continue to teach our generation and many more after us about the importance of Greek theatre. Everything is being modified now days with modern...
Words: 967 - Pages: 4
...political and social unjustness, the social class of women in ancient Greece of 5th century BCE was solely grounded by patriarchal ideologies. The Greek playwright Euripides creates a persistent character Medea, in his classic tragedy Medea. Today, scholars study this relentless protagonist who has become an eternal and timeless symbol of femininity and womenfolk revolt. Whilst many themes such as passion, vengeance, and exile are present within Euripides’ Medea, the theme of women and femininity is critically manifested throughout the interactions of its central character Medea. While this theme is prominently motivated by the values of patriarchal ideology, the cunning characterization of Medea quickly alters in the beginning of the tragedy. Medea’s first tirade acts as a catalyst in her vengeful epiphany towards Jason with the use of the former characters’ words and actions and ultimately Medea’s words and actions. Within the context of Medea’s first tirade, the theme of women and femininity is initially established through her address to the Greek Chorus. Moreover, Medea’s characterization begins to alter as her interactions progress. To begin the tirade, Medea merely addresses the Greek Chorus, “Ladies of Corinth, I’ve come out, you see. I’ve come out, in a way, to defend myself” (Euripides and Townsend 316). Since the Chorus1 is identified to be a chorus of Corinthian women, the initial link between Medea and the Greek Chorus is established. The above quote clearly states a...
Words: 1019 - Pages: 5
...Antigone - commentary notes The Myth •Characters of a tragedy were not invented from scratch each time the writer composed a new play. •Images and stories inspired by myths were connected with every form of artistic expression and ceremonial ritual, proving that the greeks were not only familiar with a great number of mythical stories, but also made them to define themselves in the world and communicate their specific cultural issues. •In tragic theatre the characters were mentally close to the audience and shared the values of the democratic period in Athens. •The geographical characteristics of the mythical location, which usually existed in reality, could also be used in the stories and affect the dramatic events of the play. •The Theban saga of Lais and his children was one of the most popular in the Greek literary and iconographic tradition. The Festival •The tragedy of Antigone was presented in the theatre of Dionysus as part of a drama competition that took place every year during the city Dionysia, one of the city’s numerous festivals. •The city Dionysia, which was dedicated to Dionysus, god of fertility, wine and theatre, was one of Athens’ greatest annual festivals and aimed to celebrate the god’s arrival in Athens as well as the city’s wealth and prosperity. •The event took place in mid to late march when seagoing again became possible after the winter. •A rough schedule of the festival can be made as it developed...
Words: 1377 - Pages: 6
...The remains of a Greek amphitheater Greek Theater: Stage Configurations Introduction: Greek theater was booming from about 550 to 220 B.C, with Athens being the center of the Greek empire. Theater was relatively new at this time in the world, so people were naturally drawn towards its original and exciting structure. But what made Greek theater so amazing that historians today are still marveling at the accomplishments? The structure of the amphitheaters and how amazing the acoustics were has left historians speechless since the discovery of these theaters. Thespis’ creation of Greek tragedy was the beginning of something wonderful, but it would have never started without the great amphitheaters. Greek theater would have disappeared without the innovative and breathtaking amphitheaters. A. Greek Amphitheaters Structure and Location As seen in the picture at the top of the page, the Greek theaters were very large, open-air structures. Most of the theaters built were huge, seating up to 14,000 people. The location of the theaters was very important for two reasons. First, the Greek architects used the natural slope of hillsides to provide terraced seating for the viewers. The natural slopes of hillsides made it easy for the seats to be made.. Also, the actual location of the theater was important because it needed to be near a sanctuary. Drama had close ties with religion, so it was vital that the theaters be near or in a sanctuary. In...
Words: 1418 - Pages: 6
...Through drama, we explore many aspects of our lives and learn to understand ourselves and others in differing perspectives. Various theatre styles reflect and address the contextual issues of their times, thus providing evidence to my thesis. Theatre is involved in many aspects of our lives, whether we are aware of it or not. It is present in politics, in religion, in the way we participate in the rituals of daily life. It was in Ancient Greece that the first theatre originated – drama had its roots in religious ritual and celebration, particularly in the worship of Dionysus, the god of festivity. Festivals were serious religious occasions in Ancient Greek times. Tragedies were the main types of plays performed during these festivals – these plays always told the stories of Greek heroes and gods, and showed how good and evil were always in conflict. Citizens of Ancient Greece valued the teachings and values Ancient Greek theatre presented to them, and it affected what they believed in and the way they lived their lives. As the Ancient Greek plays idolised the gods, people were highly religious and worshipped the gods and dare not offend them – this is proof of theatre directly affecting how people lived their lives. Highly religious values were also the main theme presented in medieval drama. During this context, The Christian Church had dispersed popular entertainment and theatre activities. Ironically, it was the Church that helped revive...
Words: 1578 - Pages: 7
...The people of ancient Greece lived nearly 4,000 years ago. Yet even today, their culture impacts our lives! We received many gifts from the ancient Greeks. Ancient Greek Inventions are in fact the original concepts of some of our most well known products, to this day. Those original concepts have just taken on a more modern form. OLYMPICS: The first Olympics games are usually given the start year of 776 BCE, but they probably began even sooner. The ancient Greeks loved competitions of all sorts, especially sporting competitions. The Olympics were not the onlycompetition games held in ancient Greece, but they were the most popular. The Greeks took the Olympic games quite seriously. Nearly all the ancient Greek cities sent teams to participate in the ancient Greek Olympics. If two or more Greek city-states happen to be at war with each other when the game date arrived, war was halted for the duration of the games. Everyone wanted their city-state to win! Sciences Greece has importantly influenced the Western science in many ways. The Ancient Greeks especially contributed many things to the scientific world, from medicine to astronomy. The most famous ancient Greek scientists and their work are briefly described below. Thales of Miletus (640-610 to ca 548-545 BC) had travelled widely in quest of knowledge, visiting Crete, Phoenicia, and Egypt. Ηe brought Phoenician navigational techniques into Miletus. Thales is also said to have tried to revise the calendar. He also...
Words: 2283 - Pages: 10
...Lit 11/3/11 Medea: A Piece in History Greek culture and theater provide many examples of the human condition as well as human nature. Among the authors best known from this time are Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Aristophanes. Euripides’s works have outlasted many of his contemporaries. In his play Medea, Euripides uses Medea’s character as a metaphor for women’s changing roles their taking a stand, their breaking the status quo hence overcoming the mandates of Greek culture. The play Medea by Euripides first appears in 431 B.C., the same year that the Peloponnesian war begins. Athens, ruled by Pericles from 447- 341 B.C. always made large amounts of money available for the festivals that include dramatic productions. Since theater was such an important part of the Athenian’s life, of course, it was at the center of the social and political facets as well. Thousands upon thousands of people would come to watch these productions. The festivals were very competitive, like a contest, and the results are permanently placed in the public records. Medea is now known as one of Euripides’ most famous plays, though it isn’t highly regarded in the history of the festival competitions mainly because of how the play contradicted the normal values of female’s roles in the Greek society. Women in Greek society have basically no rights at all. It was the male or husband that had all the rights in the family (Lawall 693). Few women in ancient Athens could read or write, and most were expected...
Words: 1578 - Pages: 7
...AHE 1108 History of sport Examine and discuss the role of women in sport in ancient Sparta By Srdjan Vulic Identification number: S4129049 Name of lecturer: Rob Hess and Matthew Klugman Name of tutor: Fiona McLachlan Tutorial group: 11.30pm, Tuesday, Semester 2, 2014 Date of submission: 3rd September 2014 Sparta was a city in Ancient Greece between 650 B.C and 362 B.C which was seen to have one of the strongest soldiers and women due to their early commencement of training in tough conditions to strengthen their bodies and to toughen them up. Men were always seen as the dominant species compared to women, they were seen to be stronger and had more dominance and respect in the Olympic Games and sport. Instead of encouraging women in Greece to participate in the Olympics they were instead dispirited and some laws were made to prevent them from participating. Spectators would rather watch men participate then women because they believed women were weak and were not as exhilarating to watch as men. Spartan women had more freedom and respect than many other Greek women, ‘Spartan women were allowed to be landholders and they were free to speak for themselves, unlike many other Greeks.’ Spartan women were ordered to do no less body building than the males, Lycurgus the lawgiver of Sparta believed ‘stronger children come from parents who are both strong.’ The women were trained the same way as the men, they would both be taught how to survive in tough conditions and they would be removed...
Words: 1220 - Pages: 5
