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

Summary

This 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.