A Performance for the Gods

The Greeks, among other cultures, were known for their theatrics. But what gave them the motivation to write and portray? It is said that original performances were originally incorporated with the Festival of Dionysus in which people would imitate half human creatures, called maenads, who were said to accompany the god. The people would tell stories an myths about him by using song and dance to illustrate. This became increasingly popular until theatres were built to house what was now referred to as a tragedy.(Ancient Greek Theatre) From then on, the plot was often centered around the heroic age and were performed in honor of the Greek god Dionysus. (Art:The History of Greek Theatre).

Where were they?

Almost every Greek city included a theater. Almost all of which were built into hillsides, just like the ancient Miletus theater pictured above. (Fonseca, Ruben.)

Below are various pictures of Greek theaters. [Notice the similarity between them.]

What kind of props and scenery were used?

Minimal Scenery and Props were used. Actors wore masks, platform shoes and elongated togas with high waistbands.

The actors were so far away from the audience that they had to make their masks extremely vibrant and also made them a little bit unrealistic. (CrystaLinks)

Lighting was mainly provided by the sun besides torches that were used as props to play up the essence of certain characters. The principal traits of the characters portrayed could be expressed in the mask, and a simple convention arose whereby types of character had their own types of mask. (Ancient Greek Drama and Theatre)

On the platform that was the stage there was a small hut that was used as a building actors could walk in and out of from the door in the front. When a famous writer painted the front of the building with a nature scene the invention of scenery on stage was created. (BBC)

What was the significance of the masks?

Have you ever wondered what the role of masks in Greek Theater actually mean? Well the masks are used for many reasons.
Every mask was hand-made with certain materials: modeled of wood, linen, and cork. Currently, there are is no physical proof of the masks because the materials used deteriorate quickly (Theatre of ancient Greece). The masks were a significant part of the plays in the theater. They helped to distinguish which character was which. Every actor wore a mask at all times during the play, which meant there didn't need to be as many actors hired because they'd always have a different mask on (Wikipedia). The masks were made to fit many different sizes. The masks were also personalized so that specific features of the mask were exaggerated and included the appropriate hairstyle, facial expressions, ornaments and other features as well (Theatre of ancient Greece).

Layout of the Theater

There are 4 main parts of the theaters, Theatron, Orchestra, Skene, and Parodos.




Theatron: Is where the spectators sat. was usually built into a hill for a better view of the stage. Seats were usually boards, however some nicer ones had marble.




Orchestra: The lower part of the stage, normally circular, where most the dancing and singing occurred. And where the dancers interacted from the actors on stage.




Skene: The back part of the stage where most of the set was. Usually raised a few feet above the orchestra. And most included at least one entrance/exit and a roof for actors playing gods and other important characters.




Parodos: Two passageways located on either side of the stage. Used as entrances/exits for both the audience and the actors. (Greek Theater. Reed College)

Who Attended Greek Theaters?? When Did They Take Place??

The theaters took place during ancient Greek times, the fifth century BC time that is (Rich East High School).

Men, women, and children were allowed to attend the theaters, but only men could perform.

The actual play parts of the theaters were at the end of the production. First there was a prologue (a speech), then there was an entrance for chorus, then finally the play part.

What's With the Chorus?

In ancient Greek plays an theatre, the actors were not the only ones who were in the spotlight. The chorus, or background choir, was actually one of the most important parts of the individual play. (Actors in the Ancient Greek Theatre) They have multiple jobs within the play itself. One on the most important was to bridge the gap between the audience and the players by narrating the emotions and occasionally rewording some of the scenes in common grammar. They acted as characters in the background, such as worshipers for the gods, etcetra. The chorus would add in questions, opinions, warnings, facts, and acted as kind of a constant summary for the spectators.(The Use of the Chorus in Greek Theatre). As theartre became more advanced and the number of actors began to increase, the chorus became smaller until it dwindled down to about 12-15 in tragedies and about 24 in comedies. Their entrance, or parades, marked the beginning of the play, while their exit, or exodus marked the end. There were a variety of different choruses as well. In tragedy, they were solumn and low, called the "emmelia". In comedy, it was funny and lighthearted, called the "codrax". And in satyric drama, it was jeering, called the "sicinnis".(Actors in the Ancient Greek Theatre) All in all, the chorus made Greek theatre what it was, and although the actors, perhaps, received the glory, the real credit, in my opinion belongs to the hard working volunteers that allowed the public into fine arts.