Greek Theatre: Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripedes Part I: Introduction

Summary

In 5th century BC Athens, the Greek Classical Age flourished with art, philosophy, and democracy. This era produced monumental theatre works, influencing modern drama. The City Dionysia festival featured annual drama competitions, where playwrights Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides competed. Their plays, characterized by complex narratives and emotional depth, are still studied today for their impact on literature and theatre.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ Athens in the 5th century BC was a cultural peak, known for its art, philosophy, theater, and democracy.
• 🎭 The Greek Classical Age began after democracy was established in Athens around 510 BC and ended with Alexander the Great's conquests.
• 🎉 The City Dionysia was a yearly summer festival of drama that originated as a religious event honoring Dionysus.
• 🎭 Greek theater evolved from hymns and dances to complex narratives with actors wearing masks.
• 🏆 The festival included a competition among playwrights, with judges declaring winners and a Best Actor Award.
• 🎭 Tragedy trilogies were complemented by satyr plays, which provided comic relief.
• 🎭 The term 'protagonist' and 'antagonist' originally referred to actors in these competitions.
• 🏛️ Theater was democratically important, with free attendance for poor citizens as part of their civic education.
• 🎭 Old comedy emerged, allowing for the public ridicule of politicians and philosophers.
• 🎭 Three great tragedians of Athens were Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides, whose works heavily influenced later theater.
• 📜 Of the many plays written by these tragedians, only 32 complete works have survived to the present day.
• 🎭 Each tragedian had a distinct style and contributed significant innovations to the art of drama.

Q & A

What was the Greek Classical Age?

The Greek Classical Age was a period of great cultural and artistic achievement in Athens, spanning from the establishment of democracy in 510 BC to the conquest of Greece by Alexander the Great, which ended Athenian democracy.

What was the City Dionysia and why was it significant?

The City Dionysia was an annual summer festival of drama in ancient Athens, honoring Dionysus, the god of wine and fertility. It was significant as it evolved from religious hymns and dances to a competitive festival of theatre, attracting spectators from all over Greece.

How did the City Dionysia festival originate?

The City Dionysia originated as a religious event involving hymns and dances to honor Dionysus. Over time, these hymns became more complex, incorporating stories from Greek mythology and eventually leading to the development of theatre.

What was unique about the performances at the City Dionysia?

The performances at the City Dionysia were unique because they involved a competition among playwrights, each presenting a trilogy of tragedies and a satyr play. The plays were performed by actors wearing masks and speaking verse set to music.

Why were masks used in ancient Greek theatre?

Masks were used in ancient Greek theatre to hide the actors' real faces and allow them to take on new identities. They also served to amplify the voice and convey emotions to the audience in large outdoor amphitheatres.

What was the role of the 'agonist' in ancient Greek theatre?

In ancient Greek theatre, the term 'agonist' referred to the main competitor in the dramatic contest, not the character. It was derived from the same word used for competitors in the Olympic Games.

How did the City Dionysia festival contribute to Athenian democracy?

The City Dionysia festival contributed to Athenian democracy by providing a platform for political satire and criticism through comedy, reminding politicians and statesmen of their vulnerability to public ridicule and emphasizing their equality.

Who were the three great tragic playwrights of ancient Athens?

The three great tragic playwrights of ancient Athens were Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides. Their works are the only Greek tragedies that have survived to the present day.

What innovations did Aeschylus introduce to Greek theatre?

Aeschylus introduced the second actor to Greek theatre and created the only surviving trilogy, the Oresteia. His style was grand and reminiscent of Greek epics.

What was Sophocles' contribution to Greek theatre?

Sophocles introduced the third actor to Greek theatre, which allowed for more complex character development and storytelling. He is known for his well-developed characters and intricate plots.

How did Euripides differ from Aeschylus and Sophocles?

Euripides was known for portraying mythical heroes as ordinary, flawed individuals and challenging traditional assumptions. His works were initially unpopular but later became cornerstones of Greek education.