Greek theatre originates in ancient Greece’s religious and mythological traditions, specifically in worshipping Dionysus, the god of wine, fertility, and revelry. The annual festival, Dionysia, celebrated with choral hymns called dithyrambs, gave rise to formal theatrical performances. The City Dionysia festival in Athens formalised competitions in tragedy and comedy, marking the institutionalisation of theatre. The contributions of Thespis, who introduced a single actor to interact with the chorus, were particularly pivotal in transforming choral performances into dramatic presentations.
Tragedy, having evolved from early dithyrambs, peaked in the 5th century BCE in Greece. Playwrights such as Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides expanded and enriched the genre, focusing on complex characters, intricate plot structures, and profound themes. These elements took Greek tragedy beyond mere entertainment, embedding it in the cultural and philosophical dialogues of the time.
Comedy emerged later in Greek theatre and represented a more fluid, dynamic form. It often focused on political satire, social criticism, and farce. Notable figures like Aristophanes played a significant role in shaping Old Comedy, providing a counterpoint to the sombre, tragic form, reflecting various aspects of everyday Athenian life.
Innovations in architecture and theatrical devices accompanied the evolution of Greek theatre. The physical theatre space incorporated features such as the orchestra, the skene, and tiered seating. Using masks, costumes, and special machinery, such as the mechane, was vital in enhancing the theatrical experience, adding visual and aesthetic dimensions to performances.
Origins of Ancient Greek Theatre
This article discusses the origins of Greek theatre, focusing on different theories and evidence concerning its inception. It scrutinises the traditional views surrounding Thespis, the meaning of the term “tragoidia,” and Aristotle’s historical account of early Greek drama.
This Encyclopedia.com article explores the origins of Greek Theatre, detailing its connection to cultural and religious rituals, mythological influences, historical context, and the development of specific theatrical forms like the dithyramb.
The article from the MET Museum in New York details the architecture and function of ancient Greek and Roman theatres, exploring the development of tragedy and comedy, stage design, and the social implications of theatrical performances in classical antiquity. Includes images of artifacts in the MET’s collection.
An overview of the history of Greek theatre, encompassing its origins, structure, various periods, and significant contributions from playwrights, particularly focusing on tragedy, comedy, and key theatrical elements.
Greek Theatre Architecture
This article discusses the history of Ancient Greek Theatres, detailing the cultural significance, architecture, and connection to the God Dionysus. It explores various forms of Ancient Greek drama and provides insights into specific historical theatre sites to visit in Greece.
UNESCO World Heritage page detailing 14 ancient Greek theatres and the cultural importance of these historic venues.
Greek Theatre Architecture: Explore’s ancient Greece’s open-air amphitheatres for captivating comedy, tragedy, and satyr performances.
The page offers a visual and informative exploration of the ancient Greek theatre layout. Discover the enduring genius of Greek theatre architecture through images and discussions on its physical arrangement.
Encyclopaedia Britannica article explains a Greek amphitheatre’s architecture as a circular or oval structure with concentric seating around a central arena, combining Greek and Italic influences.
This article delves into the historical, architectural, and cultural significance of Greek Theatre, exploring its evolution, design elements, and impact on theatrical traditions.
The Wikipedia article details the skene in ancient Greek theatre, describing its evolution from a simple tent to an elaborate stone structure, its functions, and examples across Classical, Hellenistic, and Roman periods.
Costumes and Masks
A historical discussion about Greek theatre masks offers insights into their significance and role within the realm of ancient theatrical performances.
An interactive resource from the Kennedy Center explores ancient Greek theatre, encompassing actors, chorus, and props, shedding light on the crucial components shaping dramatic performances in ancient Greece.
Article exploring the significance of masks in Greek theatre, elucidating their multifaceted roles. It explores masks as tools for character portrayal, amplification of emotions, and connection to mythological themes.
Article discussing Ancient Greek theatre’s costumes and masks and how they facilitated storytelling, character portrayal, and the interaction between actors and the audience, thus shaping the essence of theatrical performances in antiquity.
Bing Images results for Greek theatre costumes and masks give students an instant idea as to how these items looked in Ancient Greece.
Plays and Playwrights
Article about Ancient Greek theatre: tragedies, comedies, key playwrights, and masks. Explore its role in discussing politics, religion, and legends.
A summary outlining the four major Greek playwrights: Euripides, Aristophanes, Aeschylus, and Sophocles.
An article from Theatre Links’ sister site, The Drama Teacher, offers an overview of ancient Greek theatre, covering plays, playwrights, theatres, acting, music, dancing, costumes, and masks.
Scripts to the surviving major plays in ancient Greece, all linked from a single page.
Acting
This website provides an insightful overview of Ancient Greek theatre, exploring aspects such as the theatrical experience, architecture, performance practices, religious context, and the works of notable playwrights.
The webpage discusses the nature of acting and theatrical elements in classical Greek theatre. It explores the evolution of theatre, the use of masks, conventions, and the exclusion of women from performances.
Wikipedia article discussing the most likely form of acting in ancient Greece – presentational acting.
Greek Theatre Festivals
The web page discusses ancient Greek dramatic festivals, detailing the Great Dionysia, the competition structure, the roles of tragedians and comedians, and aspects like masks and roles in the production.
This brief Encyclopaedia Britannia article outlines the Great Dionysia, an ancient Athenian festival honouring Dionysus, where tragedy, comedy, and satyric drama originated.
This Wikipedia article on Dionysia details the ancient Athenian festival honouring Dionysus, outlining its rural and city aspects, origins, processions, dramatic performances, known winners, and modern adaptations. It includes sections on tragedy and comedy.
The web page details the Ancient Greek festivals of Dionysus, including the City Dionysia, Anthesteria, Lenaia, and Rural Dionysia. It describes the rituals, ceremonies, mythological foundations, and social roles, particularly the involvement of women, associated with these celebrations.