What Time Period Is Ancient Greek Theatre From?

Greek Theatre|Theater

Ancient Greek theatre is one of the oldest forms of theatre in the world. It originated in Athens, Greece during the 6th century BCE and was a major part of Greek culture until the 4th century CE.

History
The origins of Ancient Greek theatre can be traced back to religious festivals such as the City Dionysia and Greater Dionysia. These festivals were held to honor Dionysus, the god of wine and fertility, and included theatrical performances as an integral part of the festivities. The City Dionysia was a six-day festival held annually at Athens and honoring Dionysus, while the Greater Dionysia was a more elaborate festival that included processions, athletic contests, sacrifices, and theatrical performances.

The earliest plays were mostly religious in nature and used as part of ritual worship. These plays were performed by an all-male cast in an open air amphitheatre with a large chorus that would sing or chant a refrain throughout the performance.

The chorus would also provide commentary on the action in order to help move the plot along. The actors wore masks to represent different characters and used props such as swords or staffs to further elaborate on their roles.

Aeschylus
One of the most important figures in Ancient Greek theatre is Aeschylus (525-456 BCE). He is credited with inventing tragic drama through his trilogy Oresteia which tells the story of Orestes’ journey from exile to reclaim his father’s throne.

Aeschylus also wrote Prometheus Bound which features Prometheus’ punishment for stealing fire from Zeus. Both plays are still performed today and have been adapted into various forms including operas and ballets.

Sophocles
Another major figure in Ancient Greek theatre is Sophocles (496-406 BCE). He wrote more than one hundred plays including Oedipus Rex which tells the story of Oedipus who unknowingly kills his father Laios before being sent into exile for his crime.

This play is considered one of Sophocles’ most important works and is still performed today both on stage and screen. Other notable works by Sophocles include Antigone which tells the story of Antigone who defies her uncle Creon’s edict by burying her brother Polynices; and Ajax which tells the story Ajax who commits suicide after being dishonored by Agamemnon following a battle against Troy.

Euripides

The last major figure in Ancient Greek theatre is Euripides (480-406 BCE). He wrote ninety-two plays including Medea which tells the story of Medea who kills her children to take revenge on her husband Jason; Hippolytus which tells the story Hippolytus who is accused falsely accused of having an affair with Aphrodite; and Trojan Women which tells about women trying to survive after their city has been destroyed by war.

Ancient Greek theatre was influential not only on Western theater but also on literature, art, music, dance, religion, politics, philosophy, architecture, sculpture, painting, metalwork, pottery and other forms of culture we still recognize today.

Conclusion:

In conclusion What Time Period Is Ancient Greek Theatre From? Ancient Greek Theatre was from 6th century BCE until 4th century CE making it one of oldest form theatres in world that has left its mark on many aspects culture world wide even today!