Question: What creature has
four feet, two feet, and three
feet, but only one voice?
Answer?
MAN
In Greek Mythology, Oedipus had to
answer this question correctly in order
to get past the sphinx.
The legend and history of Oedipus is
captured by Sophocles, an ancient
Greek playwright.
Before beginning our reading of
Sophocles’ play Antigone, we are
going to learn to differentiate
between Greek Theatre and Modern
Theatre.
Introduction to Greek
Theatre
Greek Theatre was very different from
theatre during Shakespearean times.
What are some of the typical aspects
of Shakespearean Theatre?
What are some typical aspects of
Modern Day Theatre?
Greek Theatre is different than both of
these theatrical forms for many reasons:
• Greek Theatre was more like a stadium than a stage.
• It was outdoors and open only during the day
• It was built into hillsides for the slope.
• The performance area was called the orchestra because
that is where the chorus performed
• There were no raised stages . . . Those weren’t developed
until Roman Times.
• There was a wall called a skene behind the orchestra,
through which the actors entered and exited
Actors:
• All the actors were men
• They wore large masks to amplify their voices
• Masks had over-exaggerated features also
•They wore huge padded costumes in
order increase visibility
•They moved in a very controlled
fashion that we might find artificial.
•The chorus chanted together to
increase volume
The Chorus:
-
Consisted of 15 Men
- The
-
leader was called Choragos
They represented the city elders
-
They reacted as ordinary citizens might
-They also commented on the action and
interpreted it for the audience
Tradition:
-
Greeks took their theatre very seriously
-
Almost like a religious festival
Plays were written for huge festivals
honoring the Greek God Dionysus
-
The winners of these festival competitions
were highly honored
-
- Sophocles (496-406 BC) was a very
honored playwright
Writing Time:
Write an introduction paragraph with a clear and
engaging thesis statement on the following topic:
How is ancient Greek theatre both similar and/or
different than the theatre of modern societies?
Remember, an introduction can start one of three
ways . . .
With a question.
With a universal startling statement.
With a quote.
Your last sentence should be your thesis.
Now, switch paragraphs with a partner . . .
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Read over the paragraph your partner gave you: Check
for:
You or I
Contractions
Abbreviations or slang
Grammar, punctuation
Present Tense
Clear /Engaging Thesis statement
Did they begin with a startling statement? Question?)
Development (5-7 sentences)