4.1 Origins and structure of Greek tragedy

Greek tragedy emerged from religious festivals honoring Dionysus, evolving from choral hymns to complex dramatic performances. Thespis's innovations, like stepping out from the chorus and using masks, laid the foundation for this new art form.

The structure of Greek tragedy included a chorus that provided commentary and a protagonist in conflict with fate. Performances took place in outdoor theaters with a central orchestra for the chorus and a skene as a backdrop for actors.

Origins of Greek Tragedy

Dionysia and Dithyramb: Foundations of Tragedy

Top images from around the web for Dionysia and Dithyramb: Foundations of Tragedy

• 

  Herodes Atticus theater - Dionysus Theater : the Theathers in Acropolis Athens View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Theatre of Dionysus | The Theatre of Dionysus was a major op… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Greek tragedy - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Herodes Atticus theater - Dionysus Theater : the Theathers in Acropolis Athens View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Theatre of Dionysus | The Theatre of Dionysus was a major op… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Dionysia and Dithyramb: Foundations of Tragedy

• 

  Herodes Atticus theater - Dionysus Theater : the Theathers in Acropolis Athens View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Theatre of Dionysus | The Theatre of Dionysus was a major op… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Greek tragedy - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Herodes Atticus theater - Dionysus Theater : the Theathers in Acropolis Athens View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Theatre of Dionysus | The Theatre of Dionysus was a major op… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Dionysia represented major religious festival in ancient Athens honoring god Dionysus
• Festival included dramatic performances, processions, and sacrifices
• Dithyramb emerged as choral hymn sung and danced in honor of Dionysus
• Dithyrambic performances involved circular chorus of 50 men or boys
• Performances gradually evolved to include narrative elements and individual actors
• Dithyramb's evolution laid groundwork for development of tragedy

Thespis and the Birth of Tragedy

• Thespis credited as first actor to step out from chorus and assume character role (6th century BCE)
• Innovation allowed for dialogue between actor and chorus, creating dramatic tension
• Thespis introduced concept of actor wearing mask to portray different characters
• His performances at City Dionysia in Athens (534 BCE) marked beginning of tragedy as distinct art form
• Term "thespian" derived from Thespis, now used to refer to actors or dramatic performers
• Thespis's innovations paved way for more complex dramatic structures and character development in Greek tragedy

Structure of the Greek Chorus

Role and Function of the Chorus

• Chorus served as collective voice in Greek tragedy, comprising 12-15 members
• Performed songs and dances (choral odes) between dramatic episodes
• Offered commentary on action, expressed collective wisdom, and represented voice of community
• Led by choragus who sometimes engaged in dialogue with actors
• Chorus movements included parodos (entrance song) and exodos (exit song)
• Choral odes often provided background information, moral judgments, or emotional reactions to events

Protagonist and Dramatic Structure

• Protagonist emerged as main character, often in conflict with fate or gods
• Term "protagonist" literally means "first actor" or "first competitor" in Greek
• Dramatic structure evolved to include multiple actors (deuteragonist and tritagonist)
• Actors performed multiple roles by changing masks and costumes
• Trilogy format developed, consisting of three related tragedies performed in sequence
• Famous trilogies include Aeschylus's Oresteia (Agamemnon, The Libation Bearers, The Eumenides)
• Satyr play added as fourth performance, providing comic relief after tragic trilogy
• Satyr plays featured mythological subjects treated in burlesque manner with chorus of satyrs

Greek Theater Architecture

Performance Spaces: Orchestra and Skene

• Orchestra formed circular or semi-circular dancing floor where chorus performed
• Located at center of theater, typically made of packed earth or stone
• Skene represented wooden structure behind orchestra, serving as backdrop for performances
• Skene evolved from simple tent to more elaborate two-story building with painted scenery
• Proskenion added as raised stage in front of skene for actors' performances
• Periaktoi introduced as revolving triangular prisms for scene changes
• Mechane (crane) used for special effects, such as actors appearing to fly or gods descending

Audience Space and Theatrical Elements

• Theatron encompassed semi-circular seating area for spectators
• Carved into hillside to provide natural slope and good acoustics
• Seats arranged in tiered rows, often made of stone or wood
• Capacity varied, with largest theaters accommodating up to 15,000-20,000 spectators (Theater of Dionysus in Athens)
• Masks worn by actors to portray different characters and amplify voices
• Masks represented age, gender, social status, and emotional states of characters
• Allowed male actors to play female roles and single actor to perform multiple parts
• Costumes included long robes (chiton) and platform shoes (kothornoi) to increase actor's height and visibility