Greek theatre is one of the oldest theatrical forms in the world. It dates back to 6th century BC and was developed in the city-state of Athens.
The development of Greek theatre was heavily influenced by religious festivals and rituals, as well as by the works of great playwrights such as Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides. Greek theatre has had a lasting impact on Western culture and is still studied today.
Performance Space
The performance space for Greek theatre was called an orchestra. It was a circular area surrounded by a semi-circular seating area which could hold up to 17,000 people. The performances were held outdoors, usually on a hillside or at the bottom of an amphitheatre.
Actors
At first, all actors in Greek plays were male and they wore masks to represent different characters. This allowed them to convey a range of emotions without using facial expressions or gestures. Over time female roles were added but all actors were still masked.
Chorus
The Chorus was an essential element in Greek plays. It was made up of 12-50 members who sang, danced and provided commentary on the action taking place onstage. They were often dressed in elaborate costumes and masks.
Costumes & Props
Costumes for Greek plays were usually made from cloth dyed with bright colours such as reds and blues. Masks were also worn by actors to help them convey emotions without facial expressions or gestures. Props used in Greek plays included weapons such as swords and spears, as well as everyday objects like chairs or tables.
Music & Dance>
Music was an important part of Greek theatre performances. A variety of instruments including lyres, flutes, drums and cymbals were used to create soundscapes that accompanied dialogue and action onstage. Dance was also used to help convey emotion or illustrate a particular scene.