The History of Theatre I. Classic Greek Period- 500 B.C. A. Origins 1. Theatre had its origins in religion 2. Honored Dionysus (God of wine) in a once-a- year competition B. Architecture of the Greek Theatre 1. Actors performed in a circular space of hard packed dirt (Orchestra) 2. Scene House (Skene) was built behind the orchestra; was designed as a changing house 3. The Proscenium was the front wall of the skene; provided scenery; painted/decorated (limited)
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The History of Theatre I. Classic Greek Period- 500 B.C. A. Origins 1. Theatre had its origins in religion 2. Honored Dionysus (God of wine) in a once-a-year.
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The History of Theatre
I. Classic Greek Period- 500 B.C.
A. Origins
1. Theatre had its origins in religion
2. Honored Dionysus (God of wine) in a once-a-year competition
B. Architecture of the Greek Theatre
1. Actors performed in a circular space of hard packed dirt (Orchestra)
2. Scene House (Skene) was built behind the orchestra; was designed as a changing house
3. The Proscenium was the front wall of the skene; provided scenery; painted/decorated (limited)
4. Orchestra was laid out at the foot of a hill; uncomfortable wooden benches were built into the side of
the hill for the audience
5. Seating could hold between 14,000-17,000 people
6. The Athenians built the first Theatre of Dionysus; parts mentioned above=natural amphitheater
C. Greek Plays
1. Actors- wore masks so that the audience could see them better; there were only three actors in each performance
2. Chorus- commented on action; played minor parts; gave actors time to change between scenes
3. Example: Oedipus Rex by Sophocles (Greek tragedy)
II. Roman Theatre- 100 B.C.
A. Background Info.1. Religious; worshipped Bacchus-Roman god of wine2. 1st permanent playhouse built in 55 B.C.