Greek theatre was a form of entertainment that developed in Ancient Greece. It was a form of public performance that included music, dance, and spoken dialogue. Greek theatre was an important part of Ancient Greek culture and was used to entertain the public and educate them about the gods, heroes, and other aspects of mythology.
Greek theatre developed around the sixth century B.C., and it had a major influence on later theatrical performances, such as those of Shakespeare. The most well-known type of Greek theatre is tragedy, which was performed in large amphitheatres. Tragedy usually involved a protagonist who encountered various trials and tribulations before ultimately reaching a tragic end.
In addition to tragedy, other forms of Greek theatre included comedy, satyr plays (which were often bawdy), dithyrambs (a type of song dedicated to Dionysus), and mime shows (in which actors portrayed stories without words). In all forms of Greek theatre, actors wore masks to represent different characters.
Techniques Used in Greek Theatre
- Mask-wearing: As mentioned above, actors wore masks to portray different characters in the plays.
- Chorus: A chorus made up of several singers or dancers would provide commentary on the action that unfolded on stage.
- Music: Music was an integral part of Greek theatre performances, with both singing and instrumental accompaniment.
- Dance: Chorus members often danced during performances to heighten the emotion or tension.
Conclusion:
Greek theatre was an important part of Ancient Greek culture that provided entertainment for audiences as well as educating them about religion and mythology. Techniques used in Greek Theatre included mask-wearing, choruses, music and dance. These techniques have been adapted by modern performance artists for their own works today.