Ancient Greek Theatre

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	Classiccal Studies
	Ancient Greek Theatre

Theatres were a very popular form of entertainment in Ancient Greece as can be seen from the wonderful buildings that are still standing in our times. They could hold thousands of people, which can give us an idea of its amazing popularity. Here are some activities that will help you learn about Ancient Greek Theatre: its origins, its types, etc.

Just follow the instructions and click on the right spots in order to find the information you need to answer the questions.

Let’s start with a few questions about the origins of Greek Theatre.

Who was Dionysus? What is his relationship with ancient Greek Theatre?
What’s the etymology of the word tragedy?
What were the parts of an ancient play?
And how many rhythms were there?
What’s a Dithyramb?
What were the Satyrs?

THE ACTORS AND THE CHORUS

What’s a hypocrite?
What did they wear when acting?
Were there any actresses in Greek drama?
How many actors were there in the Chorus?

The Chorus had different names according to the kind of play. What were they?

	TRAGEDY	SATIRIC DRAMA	COMEDY
NAME

TYPES OF DRAMA

COMEDY

What are the origins of the word comedy?
What was the goal of comedies?
What was the language of comedies like?

SATIRIC DRAMA

What were satiric dramas?
Why are they less popular than comedies and tragedies nowadays?

TRAGEDY

What were the most important features of a tragedy according to Aristotle's Poetics?
Name the four most famous Greek playwrights?

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PARTS OF A GREEK THEATRE

Have a look at this picture and describe the use of each part below.

KOILON
PARODOS
PROSCENION
SCENE

Can you identify these other places in the picture: Thymeli, Logeion, Theologion, Proedria?

If you can't manage on your own, try this crossword and things may look up!

THE STRUCTURE OF THE PLAY

What are the three basic parts of a Greek play? Who performs each part?
What does the prologue do?
The following Greek words are songs. Can you state the difference? Play the game for help.

PARODOS
STASSIMA
MONODIA
DIODIA

What is the exodus?
What part of the play is written in Doric dialect? And in Attic dialect?

THE MASKS

Decide whether the following statements about masks are true or false. Click here if you need help.

All actors wore masks except the chorus.
Actresses also wore masks.
Linen, wood and leather were the usual materials to make masks.
The actors could see through the mask.

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