History of Theatre 1 - From Ritual to Theatre (Subtitles: English, Español, Dutch)

betapicts

3 Jun 201010:23

Summary

TLDRThis script explores the evolution of Western theatre from ancient rituals to the birth of drama. It delves into the origins in Greek celebrations of Dionysus, the god of fertility and wine, and the formalization of these rituals into performances. Thespis is credited with introducing the first actor, using masks and impersonation, which led to interactive performances with a chorus. The script continues through the development of theatre in Athens, the introduction of female characters by Phrynichus, and the innovations by Aeschylus, including the reduction of the chorus and the addition of a second actor, culminating in the tragic play 'Agamemnon'.

Takeaways

🌐 The origins of theatre are rooted in ritualistic celebrations, particularly those honoring Dionysus, the Greek god of fertility and wine.
🎭 The transformation from ritual to theatre is attributed to the introduction of a solo actor by Thespis, who used masks to represent different characters and interacted with the chorus.
🏛 In ancient Athens, the 'City Dionysia Festival' became a significant cultural event, where competitions for the best tragedy were held, with Thespis winning the first documented competition.
🎭 The introduction of female characters into drama by Phrynichus, played by men in masks, expanded the range of roles and narratives in theatrical performances.
🏛️ The skene, a tent or hut, was a key element in the theatre setup, serving as a changing area for actors and representing the location of the plays.
🎭 Aeschylus, a prominent playwright, reduced the importance of the chorus and introduced a second actor, enabling dialogue and more complex narratives.
🎭 The use of masks was prevalent, with actors often playing multiple roles, including those of the opposite gender, to convey different characters and emotions.
🏛️ The structure of ancient Greek plays included a Prologue, Parodos (entrance of the chorus), and various scenes that unfolded the narrative, culminating in an Exodus (departure of the chorus).
🎭 The performances were initially outdoor events with large audiences, requiring a more declamatory style of acting to ensure visibility and audibility.
🏆 Aeschylus' 'Agamemnon', part of the 'Oresteia' trilogy, won the 'City of Dionysia' competition in 453 BC, showcasing the playwright's mastery of the tragic form.

Q & A

What is the origin of theatre according to the script?
-The origin of theatre might be found in the ritual circle or rectangle, where Dionysus, the Greek God of fertility and wine, was celebrated.
How was the worship of Dionysus described?
-The worship of Dionysus was described as ecstatic by nature, with celebrations that included the sacrifice of a goat called 'Tragos'.
What significant change occurred in the celebration of Dionysus in the sixth century Before Christ?
-In the sixth century Before Christ, the celebration of Dionysus became formalized and ritualized, and women were no longer allowed to participate.
Who is credited with transforming the dithyramb into a literary composition?
-The poet Arion is credited with transforming the dithyramb, a hymn in honor of Dionysus, into a literary composition.
What was Thespis' contribution to the development of theatre?
-Thespis is credited with innovating a new way of performing the dithyrambs by introducing a solo actor who impersonated characters, using masks to distinguish between different roles.
What was the significance of the 'City of Dionysia' festival in 534 Before Christ?
-In 534 Before Christ, the 'City of Dionysia' festival instituted a competition for the best tragedy, which was won by Thespis, marking a significant moment in the history of theatre.
How did Phrynichus contribute to the evolution of drama?
-Phrynichus, a pupil of Thespis, is credited with introducing female characters, played by men in female masks, and contemporary subjects into drama.
What was the role of the skene in the theatre of the fifth century?
-In the fifth century, the skene, a rectangular building behind the orchestra, served as a place where actors could change costumes and masks, and it often represented the location of the plays.
What was Aeschylus' contribution to the structure of Greek tragedies?
-Aeschylus diminished the importance of the chorus, reduced it to twelve men, and innovated a second actor, making dialogue between characters possible.
How many plays by Aeschylus have survived, and what is one of them?
-Out of about eighty plays written by Aeschylus, only seven have survived, one of which is the tragedy 'Agamemnon'.
What is the significance of the 'Oresteia' trilogy in the context of the 'City of Dionysia' festival?
-Aeschylus won the annual competition of the 'City of Dionysia' in 453 BC with his 'Oresteia' trilogy, which included a satyr play following the tragedy.

Outlines

00:00

🎭 The Birth of Theatre in Ancient Greece

This paragraph delves into the origins of Western theatre, tracing its roots to the rituals dedicated to Dionysus, the Greek god of fertility and wine. The transformation from these ecstatic celebrations to formalized rituals is highlighted, with the construction of a temple and altar signifying a shift. The introduction of the dithyramb, a hymn performed by a chorus, and the pivotal role of the poet Arion in elevating the language used in these rituals is discussed. Thespis is credited with revolutionizing the performance by introducing a solo actor, or hypokrites, who used masks to portray different characters, thus interacting with the chorus in a narrative format. This innovation is considered a significant step towards the modern concept of theatre. The paragraph also touches on the historical context of democratic Athens and the establishment of theatre competitions, with Thespis winning the first documented competition. The evolution of theatre is further explored through the contributions of Phrynichus, who introduced female characters and contemporary themes. Despite the significance of these early works, none have survived to the present day.

05:00

🏛 Developments in Ancient Greek Theatre

The second paragraph focuses on the structural and thematic evolution of ancient Greek theatre. It describes the skene, a tent-like structure behind the orchestra where actors could change costumes and masks, and its eventual transformation into a permanent stone building. The paragraph highlights the contributions of Aeschylus, who reduced the size of the chorus and introduced a second actor, enabling dialogue between characters. The use of masks and costumes is discussed, along with the depiction of these elements in vase paintings, albeit from a later period. Aeschylus' impact on theatre is further illustrated through a brief summary of his play 'Agamemnon,' which includes a prologue, the entrance of the chorus, and key scenes involving the main characters. The narrative style of the play, characterized by a more declamatory delivery due to the open-air setting and large audience, is noted. The play's plot revolves around the return of King Agamemnon from the Trojan War, his murder by his wife Clytemnestra, and the subsequent power struggle, ending with a prediction of revenge by their son Orestes. The paragraph concludes with Aeschylus' victory in the 'City of Dionysia' competition in 453 BC.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Dionysus

Dionysus is the Greek god of fertility, wine, and ecstasy, who is central to the origin of theatre as described in the script. He is said to be born from the thigh of Zeus. The worship of Dionysus was characterized by ecstatic rituals that later evolved into formalized performances, marking the beginning of theatre. In the script, Dionysus is celebrated in the orchestra, and the sacrificial ritual involving a goat called 'Tragos' is thought to be part of the celebration that evolved into theatre.

💡Dithyramb

A Dithyramb is a hymn in honor of Dionysus, sung by a chorus, typically accompanied by music. It represents the early form of theatrical performance that was part of the religious rituals. In the script, the Dithyramb is mentioned as a significant element in the transformation of ritual into theatre, with a chorus of men singing and performing symbolic gestures related to the words of the hymn.

💡Thespis

Thespis is credited with innovating a new form of performing the dithyrambs by introducing a solo actor who impersonated characters from the songs, using masks to distinguish between different roles. This innovation is considered a pivotal moment in the development of theatre, as it introduced character portrayal and interaction with the chorus. The script mentions Thespis as the answerer or hypokrites, stepping out of his normal being into a state of divinity through his performances.

💡Hypokrites

In the context of the script, hypokrites refers to the solo actor who performs in the theatre, taking on different roles and interacting with the chorus. The term originates from the Greek and means 'answerer,' reflecting the actor's role in responding to the chorus and advancing the narrative. Thespis is noted as the first hypokrites, wearing masks to portray different characters and interact with the chorus.

💡City Dionysia Festival

The City Dionysia Festival was an annual event in Athens that celebrated Dionysus and included theatrical competitions. It is mentioned in the script as the setting for the first documented theatre competition, which Thespis won. The festival played a crucial role in the development and recognition of theatre as a cultural and artistic form in ancient Greece.

💡Skene

The skene, meaning tent or hut, was a rectangular building erected behind the orchestra during the City Dionysia Festival. It served as a changing area for actors and a backdrop representing the location of the plays, often a temple, palace, or house. The script describes how the skene evolved from a temporary structure to a permanent stone building and was integral to the staging of plays.

💡Aeschylus

Aeschylus was a significant ancient Greek playwright who is mentioned in the script for reducing the importance of the chorus and introducing a second actor, thus enabling dialogue between characters. His innovations had a profound impact on the development of theatre, allowing for more complex narratives and character interactions. The script references Aeschylus's play 'Agamemnon,' providing an example of his work and its theatrical presentation.

💡Chorus

The chorus in ancient Greek theatre was a group of performers who sang, danced, and provided commentary on the action of the play. In the script, the chorus is described as an integral part of the theatrical performance, with their role evolving from a large group to a smaller, more focused ensemble. The chorus in 'Agamemnon' is depicted as old citizens who tell and sing the story of the Trojan War.

💡Mask

Masks were used by actors in ancient Greek theatre to portray different characters and emotions. They were essential in distinguishing between roles and enhancing the visual impact of the performance. The script mentions that Thespis used masks to become different characters, and Aeschylus's actors wore painted masks made of linen, cork, or lightweight wood.

💡Oresteia

The Oresteia is a trilogy of plays by Aeschylus, of which 'Agamemnon' is the first part. The script references the trilogy and the satyr play that followed it, indicating the importance of these works in the context of ancient Greek theatre. The Oresteia is significant for its exploration of themes such as justice, revenge, and the transition from myth to rationality.

Highlights

The origin of theatre may have come from ritual circles or rectangles, known as the orchestra, where Dionysus, the Greek god of fertility and wine, was celebrated.

Dionysus worship was ecstatic by nature and became formalized and ritualized in the sixth century BC.

Women were no longer allowed to participate in the rituals, and a temple of Dionysus was built near the orchestra with an altar, thymele, in the center.

The dithyramb, a hymn in honor of Dionysus, was performed by a chorus of up to fifty men, accompanied by Oriental-sounding music.

Poet Arion transformed the dithyramb into a literary composition, bringing beauty and formality to the celebration.

Thespis is credited with inventing a new performance style, where a solo actor used masks to distinguish between characters, marking the birth of modern theatre.

Thespis' performances on a cart throughout Greek towns represent one of the earliest examples of itinerant theatre.

In 534 BC, during the City Dionysia festival, Thespis won the first documented competition for best tragedy, instituted by Peisistratus.

Phrynichus, a pupil of Thespis, introduced female characters played by men and contemporary subjects into drama.

The City Dionysia Festival in Athens became extremely popular in the fifth century BC, with temporary wooden tiers for spectators and a skene (tent) erected for actors to change costumes.

Aeschylus reduced the chorus to twelve men and introduced a second actor, allowing for dialogue between characters, thus advancing the art of playwriting.

Masks made of perishable materials like linen or wood were used by actors to play multiple roles, including female characters.

Aeschylus wrote approximately eighty plays, but only seven have survived; his tragedy 'Agamemnon' is one of them.

In 'Agamemnon,' the play begins with a prologue where a watchman awaits a signal for the fall of Troy, symbolizing the start of the tragedy.

Clytemnestra, Agamemnon's wife, kills him to avenge the sacrifice of their daughter, Iphigenia, concluding with Orestes' promise to return and avenge his father.