Ancient Greek Theater: Tragedy and Performance
Characters in Greek Tragedy
Characters in Greek tragedies were divided into main characters (protagonist and antagonist) and secondary characters, often unnamed and following specific typologies such as servants, nurses, and messengers.
The Chorus
The chorus, a group of people, commented on the dramatic action without directly influencing its progression. The chorus leader, the coryphaeus, engaged in dialogue with the actors, setting the pace of the work and calling for order and sanity.
Structure of Greek Tragedy
Greek tragedies followed a specific structure:
- Parodos: The first entrance and song of the chorus.
- Stasima: Choral odes, typically three or four, interspersed throughout the play.
- Episodes: The scenes acted out by the characters between the choral odes.
Famous Greek Playwrights
Aeschylus (525-456 BC)
Aeschylus, considered the father of tragedy, was born in Eleusis and participated in major political and military events, including the Battle of Marathon. His surviving works include The Persians, Seven Against Thebes, The Suppliants, the Oresteia trilogy, and Prometheus Bound. Aeschylus explored themes of fate, justice, and the human condition.
Sophocles (496-406 BC)
Sophocles, born in Colonus, was renowned for his tragedies, including Ajax, Philoctetes, Oedipus Rex, Oedipus at Colonus, Antigone, Electra, and Women of Trachis. He delved into complex characters and moral dilemmas.
Euripides (480-406 BC)
Euripides, born in Salamis, was a controversial figure known for his innovative and rationalist approach to tragedy. His surviving works include Medea, The Bacchae, and The Trojan Women. Euripides explored themes of human psychology and societal issues.
Purpose of Tragedy
Greek tragedies served to raise awareness of the present, educate the audience in ethical and religious values, and evoke emotions of pity and fear, leading to catharsis, a purification of the soul.
Origins of Tragedy and Comedy
Greek theater originated within a festive context, closely linked to the city and its celebrations. Tragedy and comedy emerged as distinct forms during these festivities, incorporating music, dance, and singing. Early performances were choral, with the word “drama” appearing later.
The Theater: Physical Structure
Early Greek theaters were carved into hillsides. The typical structure included:
- Theatron: Seating area for the audience, initially made of wood and later of stone.
- Orchestra: Circular space for the chorus and actors.
- Proskenion: Stage where the actors performed.
- Skene: Building behind the stage used for scenery and costume changes.
The Performers
In ancient Greek theater, all roles were played by male actors who wore masks. The acting style was less naturalistic than in modern theater.
Stagecraft and Scenery
Greek theater employed simple sets and props. Two common devices were the ekkyklema, a wheeled platform used to reveal scenes that occurred indoors, and the mechané, a crane used to introduce characters from above, often representing gods.
Tragedy as a Dramatic Form
Greek tragedies typically presented a human problem or conflict, often between individuals, society, or humans and gods. These conflicts were rooted in Greek myths and explored universal themes of human existence.