Festivals : The City Dionysia Flashcards
What was Dionysus the God of
Revelry, wine, rebirth and drama
Why was the festival begun
The Athenians had once rejected a wooden statue of Dionysus. Dionysus sent down a plagues which infected the male genitals. To appease Dionysus the festival was set up
Where within Athens was the festival held
In the sanctuary of the Dionysus which was built on the south side of the Acropolis
What did the organisation of the city Dionysia reflect
The democratic nature of Athens
Who was elected for this festival
The eponymous archon
What were the roles of the Eponymous Archon
The eponymous Archon would select:
- three tragic play rights
- five comic play rights
- and choose a Choregos to finance the plays
What happened during the opening procession
A sacred wooden statue of Dionysus would be carried from a road from outside the city to the theatre of Dionysus on a boat. Dithyrambs would be sung, a giant phallus would be carried and all Athenians including women filled the streets drinking and dancing
How much did the theatre contests cost to watch
Two obels, which was a days wage for an unskilled worker. A fund was set up to help the poor attend a festival
What was special about the festival
The festival was not elitist
- in the dithyramb competition 100 members from each tribe could take part
- 1000 amateurs took part in celebrations each year
- amature chorus members performed alongside professional actors
What happened on day one of the festival
– The grand possession: pompe
– Dithyrambic contests: A choral song and dance
– Komos: a mens only evening event consisting of singing, drinking, dancing and honouring the God with leather phalluses
What happened on day two of the festival
a) The opening ceremony where the priest of Dionysus would sacrifice a piglet and 10 generals of Athens would pour a libation to the 12 Olympic gods
b) Five comedies each an hour and half the themes of war politics and social life showed the freedom of voice in Athens the comedies showed a reverse way of life
What happened on days 3 to 5 of the festival
3 tragedies and one satyr-play a day emphasising the emphasis on tragedy over comedy at the Dionysia
What were the tragedies inspired by
They were inspired by mythic and historical events of the past they focused on human suffering and asking philosophical questions
What were satyr-plays
Satyr-plays we’re comic respite after the three tragedies entertaining audience by reminding them of Dionysus and his divine power to free people from care and anxiety
When did judging happen
Judging happened on day 5. Each judge wrote the plays in order of preference and placed it in an urn. The Eponymous Archon drew five of the lists. The playwright who had the most votes was declared victor and awarded a garland of ivy
