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CONVENTIONS OF GREEK THEATREMasksCostumesThree actors, a chorus, and a Choragos (the leader of the chorus)LanguageMusicComedy, Tragedy, SatyrDeus ex machineTook place in the daytime without artificial lightingStaged in large outdoor theatres (standing on platforms as a convention?)Action is represented as taking place out of doorsExaggerated acting styles with large movements (amphitheaters were very large!) Aristotle’s dramatic theory and criticism: elements of writing, and the unities of time, place, and action. The unity of time limits the supposed action to the duration of a single day (roughly); the unity of place limits it to one general locality; and the unity of action limits it to a single set of incidents which are related as cause and effect-having a beginning, middle and end.MASKS Masks played an important role in Greek theatre, as they enabled small groups of actors to play multiple characters, and portray different feelings and emotions.In Tragedy plays, the masks portrayed a painful and dejected expression, whereas in Comedy plays, the masks expressions were filled with contentment and exuberance.?The masks were large and painted to represent the general character of the person being portrayed.It is possible, as well, that the masks were designed to serve as megaphones, making the voices of the actors more audible to persons at considerable distances from the stage.How is physicality affected by the masks?COSTUMESThe attire that the actors wore were like 'Chitons', a long robe that derived from Greek priests. The actors also?wore?'Chotharnus' which were elevating shoes, and other?accessories?and props that were?necessary?for the character.?Males wore progastreda when playing female characters to mimic female shapes.THE CHORUS?Functions:1. an agent: gives advice, asks, takes part2. establishes ethical framework, sets up standard by which action will be judged3. ideal spectator - reacts as playwright hopes audience would4. establish and track the play’s mood 5. heighten?the?dramatic?effect of scenes through movement, story, and dance?6. rhythmical function - pauses / paces the action so that the audience can reflect7. sometimes present a particular political or religious point of view LANGUAGEperformed in verse, much of which was sung or chanted.?basic structure of the verse line was iambic—a short syllable followed by a long one.?The general effect of this line, though decidedly poetic, is nonetheless conversational.MUSICmost believe music was integral-most dialog was?recitative?probably a single flute, sometimes a luteno one knows who composed the music nor what it sounded likeprobably resembled oriental quarter tonesdifferent modes of music associated with comedy or tragedyCOMEDY Comedy plays often made fun of Greek society and it's workings of political institutions, legal systems, religious practices and warfare. The Comedy plays followed a certain structure with 4 parts. The first part was called the “Parados.” Where the Chorus would perform multiple songs and dance routines, often in humorous or intriguing costumes. The second part was the “Agon” which was often a witty debate between the actors with several plot elements and fast changing of scenes. The third part of the play was the “Parabasis,” were the Chorus spoke directly to the audience and sometimes even to the poet. And the last was called the “Exodos” were the Chorus performed another song and dance routine.TRAGEDYMany tragedy plays were influenced by Greek myths and Greek religion. And they followed the storyline of a protagonist, who goes through many hardships and struggles in their lifetime.The endings of tragedy plays can vary, but many of them end with the protagonist becoming the hero of the story, or dying in the process of defeating the antagonist.?unity of place, time and actionSee “Structure of Greek Tragedy” handoutSATYRSee “Genres of Theatre in Ancient Greece” handoutDEUS EX MACHINAa piece of stage machinery to suspend a character representing a god above the stage—the famous deus ex machina, or god from a machine. A god might, for instance, predict the future or lend his or her dignity to a statement of the significance of the action. A god's appearance from above makes for a spectacular conclusion.These are the conventions of Greek Theatre, but there isn’t a lot known about the performance conventions: body, face, gesture, movement, and voice. ................
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