Notes on Imitation and Celebration [unknown source] A brief introduction to Greek drama (originally intended for students of Shakespearean

drama) The Greatest Greek Tragedians

From a highly disciplined authoritarian theatre form to a celebration of the individual.

The following playwrights were all contenders in the dramatic competitions which took place during the religious festivals of the Dionysia and the Lanaea: Aeschylus /eskls/or/iskls/ (525456 B.C) He is often recognised as the father or the founder of tragedy. In his lifetime the form of high tragedy approached perfection. Sophocles (495 BC 406 B.C) He won out over Aeschylus at the Dionysia in 468 B.C. Euripides (480 BC 406 B.C) He is known primarily for having reshaped the formal structure of traditional Attic tragedy. He accomplished this by showing strong women characters and intelligent slaves, and by satirizing many heroes of Greek mythology. His plays seem modern, in comparison with those of his contemporaries, since they focus on the inner lives and motives of his characters in a way previously unknown to Greek audiences. His works convey scepticism, are outspoken and critical of established ways. Some of Euripides greatest works: Alcestis, Medea, Electra, and The Bacchae. Also considered notable is Cyclops, one of the only complete satyr 1

He helped to secularise the spirit and content of tragedy. This His earliest works (such as secularisation was The Persians) included accomplished by what is now is recognized introducing a third actor as the basic components and by reducing the role of of a play: action, conflict, the chorus. characterization and resolution. His plays elicit our interest and sympathy because of His plays are powerful in the recognizable human scope, and spring from qualities of his characters. cosmic considerations. He introduced realistically His characters are said to painted scenery to the have titanic proportions. theatre. This is indicative of a change from an evocative theatre to one of greater visual demands. His tragedy Oedipus Rex was labelled a model of excellence by Aristotle in his Poetics. Other important works:

Antigone, Electra.

plays currently in existence.

Comedy in Ancient Greece

The Greeks knew and esteemed the therapeutic powers of laughter. They understood the folly of taking themselves too seriously. The nature of comedy was mainly satirical and political. Comedies competed in the Dionysia; each performance day ended with the presentation of a comedy. Yet, comedy had its own feast in the Lanaea, which took place in December. Due to cold weather and the difficulties which travelling during this time of the year entailed, the Lanaea was a local event. In comedies, government officials were ridiculed There were grotesque obscenities, and coarse language (due to this, women were not allowed to attend performances). The greatest Greek comedian: Aristophanes, (446 B.C ca. 388 B.C), also known as The Father of Comedy and The Prince of Ancient Comedy. The Role of Greek Actors:

Their status was similar to that of a priest. They were chosen by government officials to play in place of the people. They had to train (like the athletes competing in the Olympic Games) in order to become successful contenders. Only men could play on the Athenian stage. Actors wore high boots with thick platform soles, a conventional robe, and a large mask. A sponsor appointed by the government paid for the actors masks and costumes. They were challenged to speak through the mask with force and artistry, so that they could be heard by a large audience (15,000 spectators approx.)
Tragic actors Comic actors Since the political and satirical nature of comedy was local, there was little demand for comic actors out of their own region. Comic acting started developing when Menander changed the composition of comedy in order to answer more universal, apolitical demands.

if gifted, they were in great demand. They were respected citizens. They were paid handsomely to travel to distant places for festival appearances.