What Was Forbidden in Greek Theatre?

Greek Theatre|Theater

Greek theatre was one of the oldest forms of entertainment in history, dating back to the 5th century BCE. It was a popular form of entertainment in ancient Greece, with plays being performed in amphitheatres across the country.

Despite its popularity, there were strict rules about what was and wasn’t allowed in Greek theatre.

Costumes and Props

The costumes used by actors were meant to be symbolic and convey something about their character’s social standing or role. Costumes were typically made from wool or linen and featured simple designs such as stripes or geometric shapes.

Actors also wore masks which had exaggerated features that helped accentuate their facial expressions and gestures. Props such as weapons and furniture were also used, although they had to be light enough for actors to carry them around onstage.

Language

Greek plays used a formal language known as Doric Greek, which was different from the everyday language spoken by Athenians at the time. This formal language was used to emphasize important words or phrases throughout the play, making them easier for audiences to understand.

Genres

Greek theatre had two main genres: tragedy and comedy. Tragedy focused on serious topics such as love, death, revenge, and family dynamics while comedy focused on lighter topics such as foolishness and love affairs.

What Was Forbidden in Greek Theatre?

In Greek theatre, certain topics were not allowed on stage. These included religious subjects, political matters, obscene language or gestures, and gruesome violence which could have been offensive or upsetting to audience members.

“What Was Forbidden in Greek Theatre?”



The strict rules for Greek theatre meant that certain topics were off-limits for plays; these included religious subjects, political matters, obscene language or gestures, and gruesome violence which could have been offensive or upsetting to audience members. Despite these restrictions however, Greek theatre still managed to captivate audiences with its powerful storytelling ability.