The Wheel Platform And Crane

Question 1

What was the roof of the skene often used for and accessed via ?

Answer 1

Often a performance space used by those depicting gods or goddesses

Accessed via a trapdoor and stairs within the skene

Question 2

Give some information on the ekkyklema ?

Answer 2

Translated to ‘something wheeled out’

Often used to portray a scene that occurred off stage

Likely a wheeled wooden platform rolled out on the prosekenion

Some scholars alternatively theorise some sort of revolving platform wall revealing indoor scenes

Question 3

Give some information on the mechane (crane)

Answer 3

Positioned behind the skene
Used to raise characters into the air likely above the level of the skene roof

Often used by a divine figure at the end of a play who arrives to intervene with human affairs ( Deus ex machina)