Theatre History Flashcards
Who was Dionysus?
Aka Bacchus; son of Zeus; God of wine
Who were Greek dramas developed to honor?
Dionysus/Bacchus
Greek dramas started as 50 men dressed as — chanting a choral song to Dionysus.
Satyrs
What is a satyr?
Part human, part horse, sometimes part goat
Greek tragedies were often —.
Mythology, legends
What is dramatic irony?
A contrast between what the character thinks and what the reader or audience knows is happening in the plot
What is verbal irony?
When words are used to suggest the opposite of what is actually meant
What is situational irony?
An event occurs that directly contradicts the expectations of the character or reader
What shape is the theatre?
Semicircular
How many people could some theaters seat?
17,000
What is the orchestra?
The large circular or rectangular area at the center part of the theater, where the play, dance, religious rites, and acting took place
What is a skene?
The building situated behind the orchestra, used as a backstage
What is the koilon?
The seating
What time of day were plays presented?
During the daytime
What was the maximum amount of actors on stage at a time?
Three
Did the chorus ever leave the stage?
No
What were the jobs of the chorus?
Chant, sing, dance
Represent citizens
Represent time
Background knowledge
How did Oedipus become the king of Thebes?
He answered the Sphinx’s riddle correctly
What walks in four feet in the morning, two during the day, and three in the evening?
A human
