lesson 4- special effects Flashcards
what would happen at the beginning of the play to set the scene?
the playwright would often set the scene at the beginning of the play, providing details or location and back story
what has been found in the theatre of Dionysus and how does this link to special effects?
Tunnels have been found under the theatron in the theatre of dionysus- it is believed that these tunnels would be used by rolling a large rock ball to create the effect of thunder
what could be found at the back of the skene building?
A ladder which would allow actors to step onto the roof of the Skene and use it for an acting stage- this was crucial for actors playing gods.
what was the mechane?
A crane which would lift figures above the stage level (above the skene) this was incredibly important in tragedies where the intervention of a god was required
what was the Ekkyklema?
a wheel platform which was probably a wooden platform on wheels brought out onto the stage through the main door on the skene.
when could the Ekkyklema be used?
It was most commonly used in tragedies where it could represent the body of a character that had died off stage- for example it would have been used in the tragedy ‘medea’ where she kills her two children on the altar.
what example do we have of the mechane being used?
Euripides used the mechane for a non-divine character, medea
what did some suggest that the Ekkyklema did rather than wheel?
some suggested that it was a revolving door rather than a wooden wheeled platform
