16 Questions
Who is credited with introducing scene painting and three actors?
Sophocles
What is the origin of the term 'deus ex machina'?
The use of the machina crane device
Who was known for introducing a second actor and spectacular elements in his plays?
Aeschylus
Which playwright's works were mainly based on human interactions rather than myths and gods?
Euripides
What is the origin of the word 'Theatre'?
Greek word 'theatron' meaning 'viewing place'
What is the significance of the term 'tragoida' in relation to tragedies?
It means 'goat song' as the songs were sung before sacrificing a goat
What was the main purpose of the Greek Chorus in ancient theatre?
To provide commentary on the central action of a play
Who is considered to be the first actor in the theatre?
Thespis
What was the significance of the term 'tragoida' in relation to ancient Greek tragedies?
It signifies the transition from dithyramb to acting out scenes in the theatre.
Who introduced the concept of 'deus ex machina' into ancient Greek theatre?
Sophocles
What distinguished Euripides from Aeschylus and Sophocles in terms of the survival of his plays?
More of Euripides' plays have survived intact than those of Aeschylus and Sophocles together.
What was the main contribution of Thespis to ancient Greek theatre?
He was the first person to break out of a dithyramb and begin acting out a scene.
What is the term tragoida (goat song) based on?
The songs sung before sacrificing a goat
What was the main role of a Greek Chorus in ancient theatre?
Commenting on the central action of a play
Who is considered to be the first actor in the theatre?
Thespis
Which festival saw the performance of tragedies in ancient Athens?
City Dionysia Festival
Study Notes
Ancient Greek Theatre
- Thespis is credited with introducing scene painting and three actors in ancient Greek theatre.
- The term 'deus ex machina' originates from the concept of a god being lowered onto the stage via a machine to resolve the plot.
Development of Theatre
- Aeschylus introduced a second actor and spectacular elements in his plays, contributing to the development of ancient Greek theatre.
- Euripides' works were mainly based on human interactions rather than myths and gods, distinguishing him from other playwrights.
Origin of Theatre
- The word 'Theatre' originates from the Greek word 'theatron', meaning 'seeing place'.
Tragedies
- The term 'tragoida' (goat song) is related to ancient Greek tragedies, and its origin is based on the sacrifice of goats to the god Dionysus.
- In ancient Greek tragedies, the term 'tragoida' referred to the song of the chorus, which was accompanied by the sacrifice of goats.
- The significance of the term 'tragoida' lies in its association with ancient Greek tragedies.
Role of Chorus
- The main purpose of the Greek Chorus in ancient theatre was to provide a narrator and commentator on the action.
Contributions to Theatre
- Thespis is considered to be the first actor in the theatre, introducing the concept of acting to ancient Greek theatre.
- Euripides' plays were more likely to survive than those of Aeschylus and Sophocles due to their focus on human interactions.
- The main contribution of Thespis to ancient Greek theatre was the introduction of scene painting and three actors.
Festival of Tragedies
- The City Dionysia festival saw the performance of tragedies in ancient Athens.
Test your knowledge of the history of Greek theater, including its origins, evolution, and performance venues. Learn about the development of Greek tragedies, comedies, and the architecture of ancient Greek theaters.
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