About this Video

• Video Title: An Introduction to Greek Theatre
• Channel: National Theatre
• Speakers: (Speaker name not provided in transcript)
• Duration: 00:06:53

Introduction

This video provides an overview of ancient Greek theatre, exploring its origins in the Festival of Dionysus, the different dramatic forms (tragedy, comedy, satyr plays), the physical structure of the theatres, the use of masks, and the significant role of the chorus. The video also touches upon the lasting influence of Greek theatre on modern theatrical productions.

Key Takeaways

• Ancient Greek Theatre Sources: Our understanding of ancient Greek theatre comes from surviving texts (tragedies and comedies), historical sources detailing the theatre's organization and funding, archaeological remains of theatres themselves, and ancient Greek pottery depicting theatrical scenes.
• Festival of Dionysus: The plays were performed annually at the Festival of Dionysus, a massive event combining athletic competitions, religious celebrations, and theatrical performances. Playwrights competed for glory, sponsored by wealthy patrons.
• Types of Drama: Ancient Greek drama included tragedy (featuring beautiful characters and masks), comedy (with less attractive characters and a low-class setting), and satyr plays (rude comedies). Three tragedians (Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides) and one comic poet (Aristophanes) are considered the classical playwrights.
• Theatre Structure: Traditional Greek theatres were open-air, built into hillsides. Spectators sat in a semicircle, while the orchestra (dancing space for the chorus) was at the bottom, with a raised stage area behind.
• Masks and Chorus: Masks were used for character changes, given the limited number of actors. The chorus served both an entertaining and a political function, providing the perspective of the community and interacting with the main characters.