lesson 3- the theatre building Flashcards
what was the theatron?
‘the watching area’- the area where the audience sat
where would the theatron usually be built?
normally built on a hillside as it was in Athens- this allowed a steep viewing area and so made the setting clearly visible to all spectators
how many sections would the theatron be divided into?
The theatron was divided into 12 wedges, it seems 10 of these were set aside for the 10 Athenian tribes whilst the other sections were for non-Athenians and perhaps also for women and slaves
how many people could fit into the theatron?
at least 600 spectators
what has been found under the theatron and what could this have been used for?
Tunnels have been found under the theatron which could have been used for stone balls which were rolled down the tunnels to create the effect of thunder.
what did spectators in the 5th century sit on?
they probably sat on cushions or boards but by the 4th century BCE the theatron and most Greek theatres had marble seats.
What was the literal name for an orchestra?
the ‘dancing area’ which was normally circular and about 20 metres in diameter
what was the orchestra used for?
it was a level space where the chorus of the play was performed and where the chorus could interact with the actors on the skene and proskene
how big was the orchestra in the theatre of Dionysus on the Acropolis?
Around 60 feet in diameter
what would be found close by the orchestra?
An altar to dionysus which would usually be found at the centre of the orchestra for sacrifice and as a prop- if so, it was a reminder that the god Dionysus was presiding over the play and over his festival (the city of dionysia) taking place
what was the prohedria?
front row seating in the theatre which would usually be occupied by officials, dignitaries and archones, whilst in the theatre of dionysus the seats were also reserved for the priests of dionysus.
How do we know that the front row seats were reserved for officials such as the priest of Dionysus?
Some sources such as ‘frogs’ suggest this when the character of Dionysus addresses the priest of Dionysus in a moment of fright.
what was the proskene?
The stage where the actors visually performed
what was the skene?
a building literally meaning ‘tent’ or ‘booth’ directly behind the proskene which featured a low wooden stage where the actors could perform. The skene had at least one set of doors and actors could make entrance and exit through them throughout the play. there was also access to the roof at the back of the skene so that actors playing gods and other characters could appear on the roof if needed.
what would the skene be decorated to look like?
it could usually be decorated as a palace, temple or other building depending on the needs of the play