Transcript The Performance Experience - IB-English

The Performance Experience
Rebecca Cooper, Maggie
Reynolds, Casey Cameron and
Joey Nizich
Performers and their experience in
Ancient Greek theatres
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In Ancient Greece actors were always men.
Women were not allowed to act.
Males played female roles.
Called ‘hypocrites,’ not ‘actors’
men who played female roles had to wear dresses and
shoes called cothornous which were wooden and high
heeled
Using the parado, or the stage right entrance, showed
the audience members that the person has just come
from town or a form of civilization.
The left parado showed that the person was coming
from a place in nature, such as a meadow or a forest, as
well as coming from abroad.
Role of the chorus
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Greek shows consist of chorus’ singing
This music is used to emphasize the mood of the play
and comes in at times to restate what has happened in
order to make sure that the audience understands the
plot
This is very helpful in the understanding of the play
and allows for people to experience not only acting,
but a musical experience as well
Many of the Greek actors played instruments and sang
as well, and were typically not accepted into a theatre
troupe unless they had something artistically to offer
(aside from acting)
The audience and their experience
at the theatre
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The audience consisted of people from all over the
Greek social hierarchy, but the social divisions were
shown through the seating in the theatre.
Typically, the upper class would sit more towards
the front, whilst the lower class and people of lower
status would have to watch from the back.
The response of the audiences was very important,
as it influenced the decisions of the judges, whom
evaluated the plays and determined their worth.
The theatres could typically hold up to 14,000
people.
Comprehension Questions
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What is the stage right entrance called?
Did Greek Performers only act in the
plays they participated in?
Where would the lower class sit in the
audience?
Bibliography
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Englert, Walter. "ACTORS IN ANCIENT GREEK THEATRE." Ancient Greek
Theater. Web. 18 Mar. 2011.
<http://www.richeast.org/htwm/Greeks/theatre/Directions.html>.
Fonseca, Ruben. "Ancient Greek Theater." Ancient Greek Theater. Web. 18
Mar. 2011.
<http://www.cartage.org.lb/en/themes/arts/Architec/AncientArchitectural/G
reekArchitecture/GreekBuilding/Theater.htm>.
Phillips, K. "ACTORS IN ANCIENT GREEK THEATRE." Ancient Greek Stage.
Web. 18 Mar. 2011.
<http://www.richeast.org/htwm/Greeks/theatre/stage.html>.
Phillips, K. "ACTORS IN ANCIENT GREEK THEATRE." Stage Directions for
Ancient Greek Theatre. Web. 18 Mar. 2011.
<http://www.richeast.org/htwm/Greeks/theatre/Directions.html>.
Phillips, K. "ACTORS IN ANCIENT GREEK THEATRE." Web. 18 Mar. 2011.
<http://www.richeast.org/htwm/Greeks/theatre/actors.html>.
"Tragic Costumes." TheatreHistory.com. Ed. Alfred Bates. Web. 18 Mar.
2011. <http://www.theatrehistory.com/ancient/bates014.html>.