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.

Tragedydepicts 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.The plot for comedy came originally from Sicily. 2.Comedy uses stereotypes.3.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. 4.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.

AeschylusAristophanes

EuripidesSophocles