Greek Theatre Visual Sources Flashcards
When was the Theatre of Thorikos founded/created?
525-480BC
What is the capacity of the Theatre of Thorikos?
3000
Where is the Theatre of Thorikos/what was it used for?
In a deme - used for Rural Dionysia
What is the shape for the Rural Dionysia?
Elongated, middle is straight facing with slight curved corners (for acoustics, more rectangular than TOD)
Evidence of religion at the Theatre of Thorikos?
Temple and altar at each end of preformance area
5 useful things about the Theatre of Thorikos?
- Inscribed hoours on the bottom row - theatre used hierachal system, w/most important getting best seats
- Curved seating - theatres developed to enhance acoustics to everyone could see/hear
- Temple/altar - importance of religion in theatre
- Diff shape/size to TOD; circular orchestra vs rectangular, 3000 vs 17,000 - development
- No permenent stage building - didn’t always use skene or used a wooden one
Limitations of Theatre of Thorikos?
- Romans may have modified it slightly when they came to rule - hard to tell which parts are Greek
- No structre to seperate buildings from performance area (e.g. orchestras)
- Ruins of theatre - unable to tell about atmosphere or how plays were preformed
When was the Theatre of Dionysus founded?
6th century
What was the original Theatre of Dionysus made out of?
Wood - was smaller until became Lycurgan Theatre in 320BC. Became stone during Lycurgus renovations - wealthy Athenians wanted to get names out of there
How was the Theatre of Dionysus strategically placed?
- On South of Acropolis; protected from the wind
- Theatre was horizontal half way up - give visitor access
- Between agora and Acropolis; intertwined areas of society (religion, business and entertainment)
How was Theatre of Dionysus connected to religion?
- Altar to Dionysus in Orchestra - represents Dionysus watching over, theatre is an act of worship
- Front row ‘prohedria’ w/central seat for Priest of Dionysus
What was the capacity of the Theatre of Dionysus?
17,000 - shows the popularity
What was the shape/layout of the Theatre of Dionysus?
- Theatron in 13 wedges (10 tribes and 3 non-Athenians. Front row ‘prodedria’ w/cental seat for Priest of Dionysus
- Different orchestra shape than Thorikos - no set shape, evolution over time
When was the Perseus vase created and where was it found?
c.420BC, Athens
What is the costuming for Perseus like on the Perseus dance vase?
- Perseus is naked + holding a sickle and bag for Medusa’s head - shows different characters in Comedies, inc. use of costume phallus in comedic effect (what it was like at a comedic preformance)
The Perseus Dance Vase is the only vase showing what?
Shows a stage with an audience - shows us theatre layout in detail
Who else is shown in the Perseus Dance Vase (other than Perseus)?
- VIPs sat in prohedria (priests etc) - shows how seats were for VIPs + hierachy was
- Audience w/unidentifiable expressions - play wasn’t actually comedic, could have been choregos and playwright unamused at actors rehearsal (tells how plays were prepared)
Limitations of Perseus Dance Vase?
- Artistic interpretation - not exact vase, may be untrue
- Broken vase, so areas of theatre may be missing
- Lack of knowledge about figures not on stage - hard to presume
When was the Medea Escape Vase created?
c.400BC
Where was the Medea Escape Vase found?
Lucania, Southern Italy - showing widespread influence of plays
How does the Medea Escape Vase show ‘deus ex machina’?
Medea on Helios’ chariot, higher than others in performance - crane used
How are Medea and Jason depicted on the Medea Escape Vase?
- Eye contact between Jason and Medea - powerful relationship was, love or tension
- Medea surrounded y Helios’ sun - emphasis on her power and acts as reference to hereditary magic
- Medea in stock costume of foreigners + Jason in heroic nakedness - insight into costume choice depending on character type
Limitation of Medea Escape Vase?
- Made 30yrs after Medea written by Euripides
- Doesn’t follow exact story - no dragons pulling chariot in play
- Could be idealised/artist interpretation
- Could be representing another version of the myth
When was the Telephus Vase (Women at the Thesmophoriazusae) made?
c. 380-370
