Theatre of Dionysus

Question 1

where is the theatre of Dionysus?

Answer 1

Athens

Question 2

who built the theatre of Dionysus?

Answer 2

an Athenian statesman called Lycurgos

Question 3

What is the theatre of Dionysus?

Answer 3

The biggest theatre in Ancient Greece

Question 4

what does the theatre of Dionysus show?

Answer 4

• OG; had wooden seats + was smaller, until became Lycurgan Theatre in 320BC.
• Curved shape trapped sound.
• On South of Acropolis; protected from wind.
• Theatre was horizontal half way up to give visitors access.
• Street of Tripods where bronze tripods set up by victors.
• 17,000 Capacity
• Altar to Dionysus in Orchestra

Question 5

When was the theatre of Dionysus built?

Answer 5

fifth century BC

Question 6

why is the theatre of Dionysus useful?

Answer 6

• Gives example of an orchestra: The circular area where the chorus would dance and perform. This gives us a general idea of how Theatres would have been laid out.

-Evidence of a Prohedra (the seats reserved for the most important citizens present): The central seat would have been given to the Priest of Dionysus. This shows how status affected the theatrical experience in Athens.

There is also evidence that lower status citizens would have been sat near the back. Such as slaves, freedmen and possibly women.

• The Theatre of Dionysus is placed on the southern side of the Acropolis: wind would have been less likely to affect the acoustics / phonics of the actors speaking. This is also an aesthetically pleasing background for the audience to view when watching a production.

-There is evidence for an altar in the centre of the Theatre which would have served to remind the audience of Dionysus

Question 7

why isn’t the theatre of Dionysus useful?

Answer 7

-No evidence of skene, ekkyklema or mechane

-rotted as they were made of wood so we can’t imagine what the performance would’ve looked like.

Question 8

what was the theatre of Dionysus used for?

Answer 8

performance at the city Dionysia