THEATRE OF DIONYSIA Flashcards
When was the Theatre of Dionysus built?
Early 5th century
What is the Theatre of Dionysus typically known for/as? 👶
The ‘Birth place’ for Greek Tragedy
Where was the Theatre of Dionysus made? + extra
In Athens, at foot of the Athenian Acropolis
acropolis - a citadel (fortress) built on a hill
What was the size and shape of the orchestra at the Theatre of Dionysus? What might they tell us, respectively? 🐎
LARGE 20m wide, horseshoe shaped orchestra
1) 20m wide - May suggest the productions were big and so likely included a large chorus
2) 🐴 - Reflects later Roman influence –> changed its shape from circular to this shape
Who performed in the orchestra?
The Chorus and the Auletes
auletes - an aulos (reed instrument) player
What are the 6 structural features of the image of the Theatre of Dionysus and where can they be found on the image?
1) Orchestra - centre of image
2) Prohedria - centre of the image, in front of orchestra
3) Proskene - centre of image, the stage in front of the skene
4) Skene - centre of image, the backdrop behind the proskene
5) Theatron Aisles - bottom of image
6) Back street - top left of image
What was the capacity of the Theatre of Dionysus and what might it show? 😨
17,000! Suggests lots of people were travelling to see the shows
What was the Prohedria? Give two reasons why it’s significant. (Theatre of Dionysus)
A VIP front row, in which the middle seat was reserved for the Priest of Dionysia
1) Shows the significance of religion in Ancient Athenian society
2) Reflects the social hierarchy in Greece, where religious figures = high up
What are the skene and proskene and why might they be useful in the Theatre of Dionysus?
1) - Proskene - A raised platform in front of the skene where actors performed
- Skene - Building behind orchestra acting as a backdrop, though originally a tent for costume changes
2) - ✅see where actors performed
- Evidence for use of backdrops + complex costumes in plays
Where did the backstreet in the Theatre of Dionysus lead to and why is this significant?
Lead from theatre to the Agora
1) Shows how cultural, political and civic life where intertwined in Ancient Athens
The Agora - Athens marketplace, political centre and gathering spot
Give three reasons why the image of the Theatre of Dionysus might not be useful
1) Only a photograph
- So, not to-scale
2) Ruins are old/deteriorated/not preserved
- Can’t make out finer details and elements of construction
3) Can’t see how actors actually used the space
