A mechane is a type of crane used in Ancient Greek theatre. It was used to hoist actors up onto the stage from below, allowing them to appear suddenly and descend back out of view at the end of their scenes.
The mechane was first developed by the playwright Aeschylus in 458 BC for his play “The Persians”. Aeschylus wanted to surprise his audience by having actors appear suddenly on the stage.
To do this, he created a machine with a platform and pulleys that could lift an actor up from below the stage. The actor would stand on the platform and be hoisted up onto the stage, allowing them to make an unexpected entrance.
The mechane became a common feature in Greek theatre from then on. It was used to represent characters arriving from Heaven or other supernatural realms, as well as for comic effect when an actor had to make a sudden appearance or escape.
The mechane had several components, including a platform, pulleys, ropes and levers. The platform was large enough for one or two actors to stand on and be hoisted up onto the stage. The pulleys were attached to ropes which ran through levers at either end of the mechane, which allowed it to move up and down easily.
The act of using a mechane was known as “deus ex machina”, meaning “god out of machine”. This phrase became popular with audiences who were amazed at how quickly actors could appear on stage with such precision timing.
In later years, when mechanical devices such as windlasses were invented, they replaced the mechane as a more efficient way of lifting actors onto the stage. Despite its declining use in theatre, however, it remains an important part of theatrical history and is still talked about today by those interested in its development and use in Ancient Greek theatre.
In conclusion, a mechane was an important part of Ancient Greek theatre used to hoist actors up onto stages from below for surprise entrances or exits during performances. Its invention by Aeschylus revolutionized theatrical entertainment and it remains an important part of theatrical history today.
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