Dionysus and the Theatre Flashcards
Theatre at Thorikos, Attika
oldest stone theatre still existing, irregularly shaped to fit the landscape, in a tiny deme and thus notable that they spent money immortalising their theatre in stone- demonstrates its value, a sign of dedication and commitment to the function of the space (money could be accounted for by silver mines which were roaring nearby in 6th century bc- but most of the site dates to mid 5th century)
2 straight seating spaces, 2 curved, rectagular orchestra, eastern end is an alter, western end is a temple stucture. Gap between alter and temple suggest processional aspect to activities- sacred aspect of performance and festival
Theatre of Dionysus
built into the south side of the Acropolis- structure today built c.330 BC (Lykourgan theatre)- old temple of Dionysus was moved and a new temple built (was a theatre built where it was because it was integral to worship of Dionysus?)- small amount of evidence for a previous circular orchestra but it is very fragmentary and inconclusive- 15,000-17,000 people could have been seated there
Bronze statues of playwrights created because of the honour they brought the polis and placed on walkways of theatre- rejuvenating Athens civic pride/ identity
Attic red figure colum Krater (c.480 Basel)
6 masked chorus members in costume, direct and clear reference to performance
Promonos Krater
found in Ruvo, made in Athens c.400 bc- commission celebrating a dramatic victory that was then sold on OR market for dramatic depictions on vases of that shape (the shape itself was very popular in the region)
Depicts Dionysus with Ariadne backstage and in costume for a performance (not the Bacchae or Frogs)
Dionysus recognisable for his Thyrsus and crown of vine-leaves
