Classical Theatre History A Journey Classical Theatre History A Journey Through TimeThrough Time

Greek and Roman HistoryGreek and Roman History

By Margaret FolandBy Margaret FolandAET 541 AET 541

Dawn R. TittleDawn R. Tittle

Introductions to Classical Theatre HistoryIntroductions to Classical Theatre History

Week 1 Greek History Week 1 Greek History this will focus on both the history of the Greek this will focus on both the history of the Greek

Culture and Theatre. It will encompass Culture and Theatre. It will encompass philosophy, religion, and the society of Ancient philosophy, religion, and the society of Ancient Greece.Greece.

Week 2 Roman HistoryWeek 2 Roman History This will focus both the history of the Roman This will focus both the history of the Roman

Culture and Theatre. It will encompass Culture and Theatre. It will encompass philosophy, religion, and the society of Ancient philosophy, religion, and the society of Ancient Rome. Rome.

Greek HistoryGreek History 5th century B.C.E. 5th century B.C.E. standing achievements in politics, philosophy, science and arts standing achievements in politics, philosophy, science and arts Western theatre born due to the culture of the periodWestern theatre born due to the culture of the period Advances made in art such as pottery and also in the performance Advances made in art such as pottery and also in the performance

of elaborate ceremonies such as those performed in Abydos, Egypt.of elaborate ceremonies such as those performed in Abydos, Egypt. Advances in science, astronomy and mathAdvances in science, astronomy and math Athens carried all these traditions forwardAthens carried all these traditions forward Start of the 5th century B.C.E. most important city-state was Athens, Start of the 5th century B.C.E. most important city-state was Athens,

in Greek History at the timein Greek History at the time That changed between 431 to 404 B.C.E. – during the Peloponnesian That changed between 431 to 404 B.C.E. – during the Peloponnesian

Wars, between Athens and Sparta. Wars, between Athens and Sparta. Athens, otherwise, enjoyed a period of remarkable achievements – Athens, otherwise, enjoyed a period of remarkable achievements –

this time was called the Classical period or the Golden Age of this time was called the Classical period or the Golden Age of GreeceGreece

Birth place of Democracy – Athens, GreeceBirth place of Democracy – Athens, Greece all male citizens had a voice all male citizens had a voice however, men who were slaves or non-Athenians had no voice in the however, men who were slaves or non-Athenians had no voice in the

political and governmental bodiespolitical and governmental bodies women were subservient – not allowed to participate in governmentwomen were subservient – not allowed to participate in government

Greek History cont’dGreek History cont’d Greek Philosophy Greek Philosophy Socrates and Plato tried to explain the world around themSocrates and Plato tried to explain the world around them Herodotus transformed history into a social scienceHerodotus transformed history into a social science Scientific discoveries madeScientific discoveries made Pythagoras – Greek Mathematician, invited his theory (theory formulated) and it is Pythagoras – Greek Mathematician, invited his theory (theory formulated) and it is

still used today and is one of the corner stones of geometrystill used today and is one of the corner stones of geometry Hippocrates – Greek Physician created the physicians oath – the Hippocratic Oath Hippocrates – Greek Physician created the physicians oath – the Hippocratic Oath

and it is still in use today for our doctors – to do no harm.and it is still in use today for our doctors – to do no harm. Aristotle – philosopher, teacher of Alexander the Great, and first theatre critic of the Aristotle – philosopher, teacher of Alexander the Great, and first theatre critic of the

ancient world, wrote “The Poetics.”ancient world, wrote “The Poetics.” Classical Greeks were also remarkable artists and architects Classical Greeks were also remarkable artists and architects Greek sculptures from this period can be found in museums world wideGreek sculptures from this period can be found in museums world wide These monuments have with stood time and natural disasters – the Parthenon and These monuments have with stood time and natural disasters – the Parthenon and

the Temple of Acropolisthe Temple of Acropolis The most significant field – theatre The most significant field – theatre We love color, beauty, competition, revelry, balance, and democracyWe love color, beauty, competition, revelry, balance, and democracy http://youtu.be/7SyAhSjj4KE

Discussion QuestionsDiscussion Questions

What were some of the great achievements of the What were some of the great achievements of the Ancient Greeks during the Classic period?Ancient Greeks during the Classic period?

Who were the philosophers and what did they Who were the philosophers and what did they contribute to the society?contribute to the society?

Greece was the birth place of Democracy, but Greece was the birth place of Democracy, but why did they feel that only the men of the city why did they feel that only the men of the city could run it, and why were women subservient at could run it, and why were women subservient at this time?this time?

The Theatron of Ancient GreeceThe Theatron of Ancient Greece A state theatreA state theatre Archon – producerArchon – producer Choreogus – Appointed to run chorusChoreogus – Appointed to run chorus Chorodidascolos – chorus was considered the most important thing; later star actors took over Chorodidascolos – chorus was considered the most important thing; later star actors took over

thanks to Thespis.thanks to Thespis. Theatre of Dionysus Theatre of Dionysus Ancient Greek Theatre structure and performanceAncient Greek Theatre structure and performance (Classical Greek, Hellene, and Roman Adaptation)(Classical Greek, Hellene, and Roman Adaptation) The basicsThe basics Capacity of 15,000 to 17,000Capacity of 15,000 to 17,000 The grand and expensive demandedThe grand and expensive demanded Theatre – seeing placeTheatre – seeing place Orchestra – dancing place, 66 ft. in diameterOrchestra – dancing place, 66 ft. in diameter Skene – scene houseSkene – scene house In front of the skene was the proskenion (proscenium) In front of the skene was the proskenion (proscenium) There were 3 doors – the native door on the right side of the stage, the kings door in the center of There were 3 doors – the native door on the right side of the stage, the kings door in the center of

the stage, and the alien or foreign country door on the left side of the stage it was called the the stage, and the alien or foreign country door on the left side of the stage it was called the thyromatae.thyromatae.

Paraskenia – side entrances Paraskenia – side entrances Episkenion – Roof or second level or structureEpiskenion – Roof or second level or structure Paradoi – parade, chorus parades in…Paradoi – parade, chorus parades in… Scenic Effects or PeriakotiScenic Effects or Periakoti Machane (Machine) Machane (Machine)

Deus des Machina – crane – god from the or in the machine Deus des Machina – crane – god from the or in the machine Ekkyklema – used for revealsEkkyklema – used for reveals Revolving or pivoting stageRevolving or pivoting stage Literally “a wheeled thing”Literally “a wheeled thing” Used for reveals either wheeled on stage or rotatedUsed for reveals either wheeled on stage or rotated Orange, Eretria, Athens, Epidaurus – Hellene theatresOrange, Eretria, Athens, Epidaurus – Hellene theatres Videos on Ancient Greek Theatre and its music:

http://youtu.be/ynYpzrmpscc http://youtu.be/DISMbiJByw0

Tools of TheatreTools of Theatre The maskThe mask Onkos (onkos) – a giant headdress that gives extra height and grandeurOnkos (onkos) – a giant headdress that gives extra height and grandeur Megaphone? – They may have had one this is still not proven factMegaphone? – They may have had one this is still not proven fact Basic costume – everymanBasic costume – everyman

ChitonChiton HimationHimation

Cotherni – for grandeur Cotherni – for grandeur Melpomene – muse of tragedy, holding a mask and wearing a Cothurnus – like a Melpomene – muse of tragedy, holding a mask and wearing a Cothurnus – like a

platform shoesplatform shoes Arete – striving for excellenceArete – striving for excellence Anake – I understand something maybe holding me back, necessity Anake – I understand something maybe holding me back, necessity Early Greek FestivalsEarly Greek Festivals Dionysian FeastsDionysian Feasts Dithyrambs started around 600 B.C.E. Dithyrambs started around 600 B.C.E. Thespis – becomes first hypocrite (actor) around 535 B.C.E. Thespis – becomes first hypocrite (actor) around 535 B.C.E. The Dionysia and Rural DionysiaThe Dionysia and Rural Dionysia December – Lenaia December – Lenaia January – City DionysiaJanuary – City Dionysia March – First contest 534 B.C.E. March – First contest 534 B.C.E. Drama till you dropDrama till you drop 7 day festival – seven day festivals7 day festival – seven day festivals ProagonProagon Awards and punishmentsAwards and punishments

Aristotle’s Dramatic ElementsAristotle’s Dramatic Elements

Aristotle argument in “The Poetics” was written in 322 B.C.E. Aristotle argument in “The Poetics” was written in 322 B.C.E. What survives are lecture notes preserved over two millennia.What survives are lecture notes preserved over two millennia. Tragedy is helpful as a purgative, called Katharsis, which eliminates Tragedy is helpful as a purgative, called Katharsis, which eliminates

antisocial urges dormant in our nature.antisocial urges dormant in our nature. The definition of drama: drama is the imitation of an action, and tragedy is The definition of drama: drama is the imitation of an action, and tragedy is

serious, important and tells one complete storyserious, important and tells one complete story Tragedy is not narration, but shows the story in actionTragedy is not narration, but shows the story in action The aim of tragedy is to conjure up the emotions of pity and fear, leading The aim of tragedy is to conjure up the emotions of pity and fear, leading

to Katharsisto Katharsis The elements of tragedyThe elements of tragedy in order of importance, the elements arein order of importance, the elements are

plotplot charactercharacter theme (idea)theme (idea) languagelanguage music / musicalitymusic / musicality Spectacle – dancing, singing, set, costumes, etc.Spectacle – dancing, singing, set, costumes, etc.

Dramatizations and PlaywrightsDramatizations and Playwrights When Drama Began and its

Themes Dithyrambs 5 comedies Trilogies, Satyrs Structure of old comedy Prologos – Prologue that begins the play with

dialogue indicating the focus or theme of play Parados – (1) song sung buy the chorus when it

enters, (2) the moment when the chorus enters Episodes – scenes in which the dialogue

involves one or two characters and the chorus Agon – debate between characters Parabasis – an ode in which the chorus

addresses the audience to express opinions of the author

Stasimons – chorus sings a song, leading up to the finale, the conflict is resolved

Exodus – final part, play ends Themes

love you wife, not your weapons of war war is a senseless waist of lives, money and

energy war not only divides nations it also divides

families although men hold all power in Greek Society,

they back wisdom, common sense, and peaceful nature of Greek women

the weak can be strong when here cause is just in unity, there is strength All small organized group can become united

and strength thru numbers

Playwrights Aeschylus Sophocles Euripides Aristophanes Menander

Some Play Titles Prometheus Bound The Suppliants Antigone King Oedipus Hecuba Ion The Frogs Lysistrata The Grouch The Girl from Samos

Video Clips of Ancient Greek PlaywrightsVideo Clips of Ancient Greek Playwrights

http://youtu.be/elSGufIxc7shttp://youtu.be/IGT24uYPb2Yhttp://youtu.be/gqpB5BgZDnEhttp://youtu.be/1SMiA G-8nakhttp://youtu.be/YygOR5JxcnMhttp://youtu.be/S15s-HbCGIw

Discussion QuestionsDiscussion Questions

What are the parts of the Ancient Greek Theatre, What are the parts of the Ancient Greek Theatre, called the Theatron?called the Theatron?

Why did they use masks? Why did they use masks? What is the basic everyman costume?What is the basic everyman costume? Why are the Cothurnus compared to platform Why are the Cothurnus compared to platform

shoes?shoes? Who are the Greek playwrights and who wrote Who are the Greek playwrights and who wrote

what?what?

Roman HistoryRoman History Rome was founded around 750 B.C.E. Rome was founded around 750 B.C.E. over 200 years was ruled by a series of kings from Etruruiaover 200 years was ruled by a series of kings from Etruruia 500 B.C.E. the kings were over-thrown 500 B.C.E. the kings were over-thrown Republic was to established that lasted nearly 500 yearsRepublic was to established that lasted nearly 500 years 3 main classes in Rome3 main classes in Rome

PatriciansPatricians the rich upper class who ruled the country through the Senatethe rich upper class who ruled the country through the Senate

plebeiansplebeians ordinary citizens who had no voice at first and than eventually gained an ordinary citizens who had no voice at first and than eventually gained an

equal voice in government through a people’s assemblyequal voice in government through a people’s assembly SlavesSlaves

who made up roughly half the population.who made up roughly half the population. During the 2nd and 3rd centuries B.C.E. – 264 to 146 B.C.E.During the 2nd and 3rd centuries B.C.E. – 264 to 146 B.C.E.

Punic WarsPunic Wars Rome wonRome won

Rome controlled a large part Mediterranean including Rome controlled a large part Mediterranean including SpainSpain SicilySicily Sardinia Sardinia A portion of North AfricaA portion of North Africa

1st century B.C.E. – signs of struggle1st century B.C.E. – signs of struggle they had trouble with the followingthey had trouble with the following

maintaining checks and balances in the government maintaining checks and balances in the government upheavals upheavals

Rome in the midst of this turmoil Rome in the midst of this turmoil Julius Caesar declares to be the dictator of the Roman EmpireJulius Caesar declares to be the dictator of the Roman Empire

Roman History Cont’dRoman History Cont’d Caesar was assonated by a group lead by BrutusCaesar was assonated by a group lead by Brutus Brutus was in turn defeated by Mark Anthony and OctaviusBrutus was in turn defeated by Mark Anthony and Octavius 27 B.C.E. – Rome became an empire with the following27 B.C.E. – Rome became an empire with the following

one supreme ruleone supreme rule Most of the lands bordering on the Mediterranean Sea Most of the lands bordering on the Mediterranean Sea All of Europe, basically the following All of Europe, basically the following

Spain, Spain, France,France, BritainBritain all the Balkansall the Balkans

Religion Religion importance in Roman historyimportance in Roman history

The Romans worshipped godsThe Romans worshipped gods counterparts of the Greek godscounterparts of the Greek gods Also worshipped divinities from lands they conqueredAlso worshipped divinities from lands they conquered

Worshipped in their own pantheonWorshipped in their own pantheon Romans stage religious festivals Romans stage religious festivals

Which they incorporate elements of theatreWhich they incorporate elements of theatre Romans persecuted the Early ChristianRomans persecuted the Early Christian 4th century C.E. 4th century C.E.

Emperor Constantine splits the empire in two Emperor Constantine splits the empire in two East - ByzantineEast - Byzantine West - WesternWest - Western

the emperor Constantine’s Mother was a Christianthe emperor Constantine’s Mother was a Christian Constantine converts to ChristianityConstantine converts to Christianity Conversion of the Roman world to Christianity begins Conversion of the Roman world to Christianity begins

Early Christians deemed theatreEarly Christians deemed theatre pagan pagan evilevil

The Roman Catholic Church was a contributing factor to the decline of The Roman Catholic Church was a contributing factor to the decline of TheatreTheatre Roman EmpireRoman Empire

The Coliseum of Rome, its remains that has lasted for over 1,000 years.

Discussion QuestionsDiscussion Questions

When Rome was a Republic who was When Rome was a Republic who was in charge and why?in charge and why?

How did Rome become an Empire?How did Rome become an Empire?Who was Julius Caesar?Who was Julius Caesar?Why did Brutus kill Caesar?Why did Brutus kill Caesar?Who was Constantine?Who was Constantine?Why did the empire get split into two Why did the empire get split into two

factions?factions?

The Roman Theatre The Roman Theatre Capacity 50, 000

4 tier theatre Auditorium

partially covered hydraulics awesome spectacles

Theatre organization Curale Aediles – hired by government, producer, Ludi – sports (gladiators) Circenses – spectacle, theatre Giant head – Dominus Gregius – director, theatre representative Siparium – 2nd drapes Auleum – grand drape, 2nd behind it Pulpitum – Stage of Roman Theatre, 4 to 5 ft. raise length to Colosseum Stage

Theatre Structure They kept the Orchestra, Scaenae (Skene), and the cavea (theatron) Scaenae frons - scene house Porta dexter, (right, entrance port), porta hospitale (left entrance port) porta regia (center entrance port) Side entrances Versurae – doors on sides Periatoi, panels, mechane Drop curtain Stage 300 X 40¹ Average capacity 25,000 Dexter – Rome door Hospitale – foreign door Regia – king’s door

Horace – Rome’s Theatre CriticHorace – Rome’s Theatre Critic Horace – Quintus Horatius Flaccus – theatre criticHorace – Quintus Horatius Flaccus – theatre critic Famous for his literary poetry Famous for his literary poetry

SatiresSatires and and EpodesEpodes The Art of PoetryThe Art of Poetry

Horace’s rules of theatreHorace’s rules of theatre comedy and tragedy must never combinecomedy and tragedy must never combine Plays should have 5 actsPlays should have 5 acts Only 3 speaking characters should appear at the same timeOnly 3 speaking characters should appear at the same time The gods should not be used unless it is absolutely necessary to resolve a plotThe gods should not be used unless it is absolutely necessary to resolve a plot The chorus should be used to forward the action, set a high moral tone and give The chorus should be used to forward the action, set a high moral tone and give

“good and sage counsel.”“good and sage counsel.” Felt that the purpose of drama was “to profit and to please” Felt that the purpose of drama was “to profit and to please” Writers should both entertain and instruct their audienceWriters should both entertain and instruct their audience Horace’s concerns emphasized during the Renaissance was decorum Horace’s concerns emphasized during the Renaissance was decorum Decorum – meant that the language and actions of characters must fit traditional ideas Decorum – meant that the language and actions of characters must fit traditional ideas

of suitable behavior for their age, gender, social status and emotional state, Wilson, E., of suitable behavior for their age, gender, social status and emotional state, Wilson, E., & Goldfarb, A. (2008). & Goldfarb, A. (2008).

He wanted writers to avoid using extremes – or extreme emotions and to attempt to be He wanted writers to avoid using extremes – or extreme emotions and to attempt to be truthfultruthful

Anything overly offensive or overly marvelous needed to be kept off stageAnything overly offensive or overly marvelous needed to be kept off stage

Playwrights of RomePlaywrights of Rome Tragic playwright

Lucius Annaeus Seneca – 4 B.C.E – 65 C.E.

Plays of Seneca Some of his works survived, here

are some titles The Madness of Hercules The Trojan Women The Phoenician Women Phaedra Medea Thyestes Agamemnon Oedipus

Comic Playwrights Plautus (Titus Maccius Plautus) 254-

184 B.C.E. Terence – Publius Terentius Afer 185 to

159 B.C.E Plays of Terence

All 6 survived Andria – 166 B.C.E. The Mother – In – Law 165 B.C.E. The Self – Tormentor – 163 B.C.E. The Eunuch – 161 B.C.E. Phormio – 161 B.C.E. The Brothers – 160 B.C.E.

Plays of Plautus 20 plays and one if fragment survived,

here are 8 of them The Merchant The Carthaginians The Rope

Casina The Pot of Gold The Haunted House The Captives The Churl The Girl from Persia The MenaechmiThis is a picture of Titus

Maccius Plautus, an actor and Playwright of Ancient Rome.

Video Clips of Ancient Roman PlaywrightsVideo Clips of Ancient Roman PlaywrightsVideos on Ancient Roman Theatre

and Music : http://youtu.be/GDMfjvqGuychttp://youtu.be/uJLXyBzMci0

Roman Playwrights Video Clips:http://youtu.be/WHX-cM_tBjIhttp://youtu.be/uX-aWZa2qqAhttp://youtu.be/_32z0k3r9v4

Discussion QuestionsDiscussion Questions

What is the structure of the Ancient What is the structure of the Ancient Roman Theatre?Roman Theatre?

How many people could sit in the How many people could sit in the Ancient Roman Amphitheatre?Ancient Roman Amphitheatre?

How was the theatre Organized?How was the theatre Organized?Who are the three major Playwrights Who are the three major Playwrights

of Ancient Rome?of Ancient Rome?Who is Horace?Who is Horace?

ReferencesReferences Ancient Greek Theatre. (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://academic.reed.edu/humanities/110tech/theater.html Hellene Theatre. (2004). Retrieved from

http://www.wildfiregames.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=6255 .

Julius Caesar. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://fany.savina.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/JuliusCaesar.jpg

Roman Theatre. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.vroma.org/~plautus/theatmodlab.jpg

Titus Maccius Plautus. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.rightwords.eu/imgupl/author/t-232x250xffffff/titus-macchius-plautus--924--t-232x250xffffff-rw.jpg

Wilson, E., & Goldfarb, A. (2008). History of the Theatre: Living Theatre (5th ed.). New York, New York: McGraw Hill.