Transcript Script Writing Introduction

Tragedy
depicts the downfall of a noble hero or heroine,
usually through some combination of hubris, fate, and
the will of the gods.
1. Greek tragedy was performed as part of an
estimated 5-day Athenian religious festival, which
may have been instituted by Peisistratus.
2. The Great Dionysia, the name of this festival, was held in the Attic
month of Elaphebolion, from the end of March to mid-April.
3. Three tragic playwrights competed during the festival for the prize
for the best series of three tragedies and a satyr play.
4. The first competition is thought to have been held in 535 B.C. at
which time Thespis won.
5. There were rarely more than a chorus and 3 actors, regardless of how
many roles were played. Actors changed their appearance in the skene.
6. Represents real people and shows them to be better than what they
are in real life.
represents men worse than what they are in real life
1.
2.
3.
4.
The plot for comedy came originally from Sicily.
Comedy uses stereotypes.
The Lenaea festival started having comedy
competitions in 440. There were normally 5
comedies that competed, but during the
Peloponnesian War, the number was reduced to 3.
Unlike the writers of tragedy who put on a series
of 4 plays, the writers of comedy produced one
comedy apiece.
•
The word "theater" comes from the word theatron which
was the viewing area for the Greek audience.
•The
Greek theatre history began with festivals honoring
their gods. A god, Dionysus, was honored with a festival
called "City Dionysia". In Athens, during this festival, men
used to perform songs to welcome Dionysus. Plays were
only presented at City Dionysia festival.
•Athens
was the main center for these theatrical traditions.
Athenians spread these festivals to its numerous allies in
order to promote a common identity.
The cast of a Greek play in the Dionysia was comprised of
amateurs, not professionals (all male).
Ancient Greek actors had to gesture grandly so that the entire
audience could see and hear the story. However most Greek
theatres were cleverly constructed to transmit even the
smallest sound to any seat.
Men played the role of women.
Actors wore masks and costumes
Due to limited number of actors allowed on-stage, the
chorus evolved into a very active part of Greek theatre.
Music was often played during the chorus‘s delivery of its
lines.
The chorus was a central feature of Greek drama. The
chorus was composed of similarly costumed men on the
dancing floor ("orchestra"), located beneath the stage. The
chorus was in the orchestra for the duration of the
performance to observe and comment on the action of the
actors. Dialogue consisted of long, formal speeches in
verse.
The actors were so far away from the audience
that without the aid of exaggerated costumes
and masks it would be difficult for the
audience to hear or see them.
The masks were made of linen or cork, so none have
survived. Tragic masks carried mournful or pained
expressions, while comic masks were smiling or
leering.
The shape of the mask amplified the actor's voice,
making his words easier for the audience to hear.
Aeschylus
Aristophanes
Euripides
Sophocles