Greek Theatre

A little theatre history…

The Founding Greeks

A introduction to their influence on Theatre

QuickTime™ and aSorenson Video 3 decompressorare needed to see this picture.

Greek Tragedy

Oedipus Rex…

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Greek Comedy

Known for great structure and poetry Because Greek does not translate well

the rhythm is lost and the comedic punch doesn’t really punch

Aristophanes

Only ones in existence from the 5th century

Known for satires of Grecian society, politics and literature

Birds, Frogs, and Clouds are his most famous

Written about 40 plays

Menander

Wrote over 100 plays The Grouch is the only complete work

still existing Held in very high regard Influenced Roman writers who

influenced European then American writers

Satyr Plays Comic relief Presented at the end of tragedies Farcical treatment of

– Greek gods– Heroes

Satyrs were companions to Dionysus and said to be half man and half beast– Cyclops– The Trackers

Its all Greek to Me! Greek plays are universal Conflicts mostly of man against fate or man

against man Characters are forerunners to our tragic

protagonists Heroic proportions…Oedipus, Orestes,

Antigone, and Madea imperfect, and volatile…they make things happen no matter the consequences

It is thought the Greeks sung their speeches instead of just saying them