Greek Theater An introduction to Oedipus Rex Golden

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Greek Theater An introduction to Oedipus Rex

Greek Theater An introduction to Oedipus Rex

Golden Age of Athens • Athens: political and military power in Greece • period

Golden Age of Athens • Athens: political and military power in Greece • period from 480 -406 BC famous for flourishing political and cultural life • dramatic arts at center of cultural achievements • ended with Peloponnesian War

Greek Theater • theater evolved from festivals of Dionysus (god of fertility and wine)

Greek Theater • theater evolved from festivals of Dionysus (god of fertility and wine) • Thespis (500 s BC) created a solo drama – one actor performs with masks for different characters – considered first Greek actor • Aeschylus (471 BC) added a second actor – dialogue became possible • Sophocles (468 BC) added third actor – more complex dramatic situations – still used masks to indicate different characters

Parts of a Greek Theater

Parts of a Greek Theater

Layout of Greek Theater • Orchestra – literally “dancing space” – normally circular; at

Layout of Greek Theater • Orchestra – literally “dancing space” – normally circular; at center = thymele (altar) – group of people (chorus) sing, dance, interact with actors on stage • Theatron – literally “viewing space” – where audience sat – usually part of hillside overlooking orchestra

Layout of Greek Theater cont. • Skene – literally “tent” – building directly behind

Layout of Greek Theater cont. • Skene – literally “tent” – building directly behind stage – decorated as palace, temple or other building – doors to make entrances/exits • Parados – literally “passageways” – paths for entrances and exits

Pictures of Theaters

Pictures of Theaters

Sophocles (c. 496 -406 BC) • • born in Colonus, Greece and died in

Sophocles (c. 496 -406 BC) • • born in Colonus, Greece and died in Athens son of wealthy merchant studied all of the arts plays produced at the Great Dionysia in Athens – annual festival honoring Dionysus – ended with dramatic competitions • won first prize >20 times in competition • wrote >100 tragedies (8 survived) – Oedipus Rex, Oedipus at Colonus, Antigone – Electra, Philoctetes, Ajax, Ichneutai, The Trachiniae

Oedipus Rex • most famous tragedy ever written • first produced in Athens c.

Oedipus Rex • most famous tragedy ever written • first produced in Athens c. 430 BC • Aristotle praised it for its exemplary, well-constructed plot, which is capable of inspiring fear and pity • Greek term to know: – hubris: a type of fatal flaw - pride

protagonist: central character always harmatia (fatal flaw) antagonist: obstacle to the protagonist Act I

protagonist: central character always harmatia (fatal flaw) antagonist: obstacle to the protagonist Act I - peripetia: reversal of fortune Aristotle’s Elements of a Tragedy Act II - anagnorisis: recognition of deeds (protagonist recognizes harmatia) intended to elicit pity and sympathy Act III - catharsis: audience is cleansed by closure of tragedy

THE END

THE END

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