Greek Theater
Greek theater or Greek drama began back in ancient Greek somewhere between 550 B.C. and 220 B.C.. This was a tradition which became popular in Greece. The political and military power were the center of the Greek theater. The different styles of theater which took place over time were, Comedy486 B.C.), Tragedy the late 6th century), and Satyr. Western theater originated from the works of the Greek theater. Greek theater influenced other countries theater as well as their culture. Many roots of the early Greek life and culture are known in many countries today. Greek theater got started with the state festival in Athens, which honored Dionysus.
The word Tragedy is derived from the two Greek word meaning ‘the goat’, and ‘song’. There was an archaic translation for the word which was, “goat-men sacrifice song”. This indicates the link to the practices of the ancient Dionysian Cults. The early Greek theater was an honor to the Greek god Dionysus. Dionysus was the god of vine, wine, and merriment. All of the plays were written in honor of Dionysus up until the Hellenistic period. Greek tragedy plays began in Athens before 534 B. C.. Thespis is the earliest author of these written plays known. He was the winner of the first theatrical contest held in Athens. He was the leader of the dithyrambs performed around Attica, especially at Dionysia. The shows became a narrative, ballad like style. Thespis was credited for his help in changing the theater from their singing to speaking character roles. He was often called the ‘Father of Tragedy’ for his contributions.
Others mentioned during this period was the statesman Solon, who was credited for his poems and Homer’s epics were also popular in festivals before 534 B. C.. Other names mentioned in connection to the festivals and scripts was, Choerilus, Pratinas, and Phrynichus. Phyrnichus won his first competition between 511 B. C. And 508 B. C.. He wrote tragedies on themes and subjects which later exploited the Danaids, Phoenician women, and Alcestis. He wroet The fall of Miletus, which was produced in 493-492 B. C..It was about the town of Miletus after it was conquered by the Persians.
The theater became a more formalized and major part of Athenian culture after the Great destruction by the Persians in 480 B.C.. The town and Acropolis was rebuilt and the theater became a big part of Athenian culture and civic pride. This era was known as the Golden Age of Greek drama. There was the annual Dionysia which took place in the winter and in the spring. There was also the competition between three tragic playwrights at the Theatre of Dionysus.
The actors in these plays wore masks which depicted the mood of the actor and they also wore them because they could change characters and gender without the knowledge of the audience.
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