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Questions and Answers
What is a primary characteristic of tragedy as described in the content?
Which playwright is NOT mentioned as a dramatist associated with tragedy in the content?
In Ancient Greek performances, how does the theatrical experience differ from that of modern day?
What is one key legacy of Shakespeare mentioned in the content?
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Which thematic element is suggested to be emphasized when planning a modern production of 'Oedipus'?
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What was the primary function of theatre in Ancient Greece?
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Which of the following dramatists is not one of the three writers from whom 32 plays have survived?
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How were performances in Ancient Greece typically structured?
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What was a common characteristic of the roles played in Ancient Greek theatre?
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What aspect of the theatrical experience in Ancient Greece differs from modern theatre?
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Which god was primarily associated with the origins of Greek theatre?
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What was a significant social element of Ancient Greek theatre performances?
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What does the dramatic term 'tragedy' highlight in the context of Ancient Greek theatre?
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What was the primary role of the chorus in Ancient Greek theatre?
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Which of the following best describes Sophocles' contribution to theatre?
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What central theme is explored in Oedipus Rex?
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Which aspect of Greek tragedy does Oedipus Rex exemplify through its character development?
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How did the chorus enhance the dramatic effect in ancient plays?
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What is a significant reason for the enduring appeal of Oedipus Rex?
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What narrative technique is significant in the plot of Oedipus Rex?
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What is implied about the nature of fate in Oedipus Rex?
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What significant societal change influenced European theatre during Shakespeare's time?
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Which of the following best describes Shakespeare's educational background?
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How many plays did Shakespeare write, and how were they categorized?
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What was the main reason plays could not deal with political subjects during Elizabeth I's reign?
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What characterized the performance style of Elizabethan theatre?
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Which of the following statements about the First Folio is true?
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What aspect of stage production was commonplace during Shakespeare's time?
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What is the significance of the Globe Theatre in Shakespeare's career?
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What aspect of Shakespeare's work contributes to his enduring popularity?
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How did the Royal Shakespeare Company begin?
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What is one reason Shakespeare’s works remain available today?
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What concept does the postcolonial lens often connect with Shakespeare's work, particularly in 'The Tempest'?
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In what way is tragedy characterized according to the provided definitions?
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What role did Shakespeare play in the context of English national identity?
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Which character in 'The Tempest' is often discussed in terms of colonial themes?
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What quality of Shakespeare's writing contributes to its psychological depth?
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Study Notes
Theatre Beginnings
- Formal theatre began in Ancient Greece around 500 BC.
- “Theatron” is Greek for "seeing place".
- "Dran" is Greek for "to do".
- Dionysus was the god of wine, fertility, and theatre.
- Thespis was the first winner for best actor/writing in Athenian competition.
- Ancient Greek theatres could hold 14,000 - 17,000 spectators.
- Ancient Greek theatre festivals were financed and undertaken by the community and were similar to modern sporting events.
- Ancient Greek tragedy revolved around the fragile harmony between humans and supernatural forces.
Theatre of Ancient Greece
- Ancient Greek Theatre functioned as offerings to the gods, expressions of civic pride, and indications of Athenian cultural superiority over other Greek states.
- The 3 main playwrights from Ancient Greece are:
- Aeschylus (523–456 B.C.)
- Sophocles (496–406 B.C.)
- Euripides (480–406 B.C.)
- Actors wore masks.
- Performances were lengthy and began at dawn.
- Only men performed, playing both male and female roles.
Performers
- There were four categories of performers:
- Actors
- Supernumeraries (Non-speaking extras)
- Musicians
- Chorus (15 men)
- The Chorus performed in unison and served to:
- Express the author's point of view.
- Express the opinions of the collective.
- Guide the audience's reaction.
- Contribute to mood and spectacle.
Oedipus Rex
- Sophocles wrote over 120 plays and won 24 contests.
- 7 of his plays survived.
- Oedipus Rex was first produced around 430 BC.
- The play starts with a prophecy prior to Oedipus's birth.
Greek Tragedy and Modern Adaptation
- Many modern theatre artists find inspiration in Ancient Greek plays.
Why Oedipus Rex continues to attract audiences
- Skillful construction
- Universal themes
- The uncertainty of human destiny
- The limited ability of humans to control their fate.
Elizabethan Theatre
- European theatre changed considerably during the 16th and 17th centuries.
- Theatre became more secular and entertaining.
- Elizabeth I banned plays dealing with religious and political subjects.
- There was a growing demand for new plays and theatres.
- Over a dozen new playhouses were built between 1567 and 1625.
William Shakespeare
- William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564.
- He attended King’s New School, studied Latin, and had a middle-class background.
- He married Anne Hathaway in 1582, at age 18.
- He had three children, Susanna, and twins Judith and Hamnet.
- He joined the Lord Chamberlain's Men acting company.
- His company performed in various spaces in London before the Globe Theatre opened on the Southbank in 1599.
- He was already a popular playwright in his time.
- He died in 1616, at age 52.
Shakespeare's Work
- Shakespeare wrote 38 plays:
- 16 Comedies
- 12 Tragedies
- 10 Histories
- He also wrote 154 sonnets.
- The First Folio was published in 1623, 7 years after his death.
- The Second Folio was published in 1632.
- Shakespeare's work was popular during the Restoration Period.
- Shakespeare became increasingly popular during the 19th and 20th centuries.
- He is widely considered the greatest English language playwright.
How Elizabethan Theatre Differed from Ancient Greece
- All roles were played by men.
- Actors only received their individual role, not the complete script.
- Rehearsal time was limited to two weeks.
- Many plays were staged simultaneously.
- Performances were consistently high quality and audiences interacted with actors and the action on stage.
- Performances took place outdoors, during the day, with no electric lighting.
- Minimal sets and props were used, but costumes were lavish.
- There was no intermission.
- The average play ran for 10 performances.
The Globe Theatre
- The Globe Theatre was built on the Southbank in 1599.
Why Shakespeare Remains Popular
- He wrote in many genres and created a wide range of characters.
- The themes he explored in his work still resonate with us today.
- His work is adaptable to different audiences and settings.
- Much of his work survived, unlike that of many of his contemporaries.
- His work is psychologically, poetically, and linguistically beautiful.
Royal Shakespeare Company
- The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) began in 1879 as the Stratford Festival.
- The RSC celebrates Shakespeare during the summers.
- It embodies a sense of heritage, pride and tradition.
Shakespeare: A Postcolonial Lens
- Some scholars see Shakespeare’s work as a tool of empire.
- Characters in his plays, like Caliban, are often interpreted in a postcolonial context as examples of Western colonialism's impact.
What is Tragedy
- Tragedy is a genre of literature that explores the suffering of humans who are unable to avoid their fate.
- The causes of tragedy are often beyond human control.
Sophocles' Oedipus Rex, Shakespeare's Hamlet, & Aristotle's Tragic Hero
- Tragedy is predominantly associated with Ancient Greece and Elizabethan England.
Group Presentation Activity
- Students are encouraged to choose a Shakespearean or Ancient Greek play and plan a modern production.
Learning Consolidation
- The text discusses the characteristics of Ancient Greek theatre, Elizabethan theatre, and the literary legacy of Shakespeare.
Next Week
- Students will have a quiz on the material covered in class.
- They will also be introduced to the topic of Modern Theatre.
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Description
Explore the origins of formal theatre in Ancient Greece and its cultural significance. Learn about the contributions of playwrights like Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides, and how the theatre served both religious and civic functions in Athenian society. Discover the fascinating elements of performances, including the use of masks and the connection to the god Dionysus.
