Greek Theatre Flashcards
(20 cards)
Can a tragedy be performed at night?
No, always in daylight
Label the blue areas in the theatre - tinyurl.com/greektheatreblank
tinyurl.com/greektheatreanswers
What was the orchestra?
A circular acting arena and dancing floor
What was the thymele?
An altar in the middle of the orchestra
What were the esodoi/paradoi?
Paths on the sides of the orchestra for actors and audience members
What was the skene?
It was originally a backstage tent for actors to change costumes. It also then became a wooden backdrop. It had one central door and often one small door on either side of the central door. The upper storey or roof of the skene could be used as an acting arena.
Why was the theatre bowl-shaped?
So that small noises could be heard at the back
What were the seats like?
Normally benches but there were throne-like seats for important people like priests
What is the Greek word for actors?
hypocrites (which literally means answerers)
What was the first actor called?
protagonistes
What was the second actor called?
deuteragonist
What was the third actor called?
tritagonist
What was the gender balance like with actors?
All actors were male (even female characters)
Would an actor only play one role?
An actor commonly played more than one role and also characters were sometimes played by more than one actor.
When would costume and mask changes occur?
Rapid changes would occur during choral odes
What were two requirements for a good actor’s voice?
1) A strong and loud voice so that it could be heard throughout the theatre
2) A versatile voice to play multiple parts including female roles
What would a lengthy speech require of an actor?
They required great stamina and variation in tone.
How could an actor show their emotion?
Since plays were viewed from many metres away and masks had set emotions, the dialogue and tone of voice were how an actor showed how they felt.
How could positioning of actors have been used?
To indicate isolation or unity and support
About how many men would take part in the chorus in each play?
Around 12-15
