1.4 Elements of Greek Theatrical Performance

Greek theatre was a vibrant, multifaceted art form. From the grand architecture of amphitheaters to the intricate masks and costumes, every element worked together to create an immersive experience for ancient audiences.

The chorus played a crucial role, serving as both characters and commentators. With their songs, dances, and poetic language, they bridged the gap between actors and spectators, bringing the stories to life in a uniquely Greek way.

Greek Theatre Architecture

Key Components of Greek Theatres

• The skene was a wooden structure at the back of the stage that served as a backdrop and a changing room for actors
  • Often represented a palace, temple, or other building relevant to the play
• The orchestra was a circular space in front of the skene where the chorus performed their songs and dances
  • Main performance area and focal point of the theatre
• The theatron was the seating area for the audience, built into the hillside in a semi-circular shape around the orchestra
  • Seats were divided into horizontal sections by walkways and vertical sections by stairs
• The parodoi were the two entrances to the orchestra, one on each side of the skene
  • Used by the chorus and actors to enter and exit the stage

Special Effects and Stage Machinery

• The mechane was a crane-like device used to lift actors playing gods or heroes
  • Allowed them to appear to fly or descend from the heavens
• The ekkyklema was a wheeled platform used to reveal interior scenes or bring out dead bodies
• The theologeion was a raised platform above the skene used for appearances by gods
• The periaktoi were revolving prisms with different scenes painted on each side, used for quick scene changes

Chorus in Greek Theatre

Role and Function of the Chorus

• The chorus was a group of performers who sang, danced, and delivered lines in unison, serving as a collective character in the play
  • Integral part of Greek theatre and often drove the action of the play
• Typically represented a group of citizens (elders, women, soldiers) who commented on the actions of the main characters and provided background information to the audience
• Served as an intermediary between the actors and the audience, expressing the thoughts and feelings of the community and guiding the audience's emotional response to the play

Performance and Interaction with Actors

• Performed in the orchestra, often moving in formation and using stylized gestures to convey emotion and meaning
  • Songs and dances were accompanied by music (aulos and lyre)
• Interacted with the actors through dialogue and song, sometimes taking on the role of a character in the play
• The leader of the chorus, called the choragos, often engaged in dialogue with the actors
• The chorus' movements and formations were choreographed to enhance the dramatic effect of the play
  • In tragedies, the chorus often moved in a solemn, stately manner
  • In comedies, the chorus' movements were more lively and acrobatic

Visual Elements in Greek Theatre

Masks and Costumes

• Masks were worn by all actors to represent different characters
  • Allowed a small number of actors to play multiple roles and helped the audience identify the characters
• Tragic masks had exaggerated features and expressions to convey strong emotions
• Comic masks were more grotesque and distorted to emphasize the humorous aspects of the characters
• Costumes indicated the social status, age, and gender of the characters
  • Tragic costumes: elaborate and ornate (long robes, high boots, headdresses)
  • Comic costumes: exaggerated and often included padding to create a grotesque appearance

Color Symbolism and Props

• Color played a significant role in costumes, with different colors representing various character types
  • Purple associated with royalty
  • White worn by young female characters
• Props (scepters, swords, staffs) were used to further define characters and their roles in the play
  • Often symbolic and helped to convey the themes and messages of the play
• The use of masks, costumes, and props allowed for the creation of larger-than-life characters
  • Helped to communicate the story and themes of the play to the audience in a clear and effective manner

Artistic Elements in Greek Theatre

Music and Dance

• Music was an integral part of Greek theatre, with the chorus performing songs accompanied by the aulos and lyre
  • Set the mood and tone of the play and helped to convey the emotions of the characters
• Different modes and rhythms were used to evoke specific emotional responses in the audience
  • Dorian mode: solemnity and nobility
  • Phrygian mode: excitement and passion
• Dance was another essential element, with the chorus performing stylized movements and formations in the orchestra
  • Dances were often symbolic and helped to convey the themes and emotions of the play
• Tragic dances: slow and stately, emphasizing the gravity of the story
• Comic dances: lively and acrobatic, reflecting the humorous nature of the play

Poetic Language and Verse Structure

• Poetic language, particularly in the form of verse dialogue and choral odes, was a defining feature of Greek theatre
  • Language was elevated and stylized, using metaphors, similes, and other literary devices to convey meaning and emotion
• Verse dialogue between actors was typically in iambic trimeter, a metrical pattern that closely resembled natural speech
  • Allowed for a more realistic portrayal of characters and their interactions
• Choral odes were composed in a variety of metrical patterns and often included complex imagery and allusions to mythology and history
  • Served to comment on the action of the play and provide a deeper understanding of the themes and messages
• The use of poetic language added to the artistic and emotional impact of Greek theatre
  • Created a heightened sense of drama and helped to engage the audience on a deeper level