The Origins of Theatre - The First Plays (continued)
 | | The Theatre at Athens, from The Greeks documentary |
The first plays were performed with just one actor (called a protagonist) and a chorus of people who helped him to tell the story. However, throughout the 5th century BC playwrights continued to innovate.
The playwright Aeschylus added a second speaking role, called the antagonist, and reduced the chorus from 50 to 12. His play 'The Persians', first performed in 472 BC, is the oldest surviving of all Greek plays.
His pupil, Sophocles went on to add a third actor, while Euripides added both a prologue, introducing the subject of the play, and the deus ex machina, a divine figure who wrapped up any loose ends at the close.
Wealthy citizens would sponsor plays by paying a tax called the choregia. And just like Pisistratus, the tyrant who established the 'City Dionysia' to enhance his own popularity, many of these wealthy patrons hoped the success of the play they sponsored would provide them with a way into politics.
The first plays were performed in the Theatre of Dionysus, built in the shadow of the Acropolis in Athens at the beginning of the 5th century, but theatres proved to be so popular they soon spread all over Greece.
Drama was classified according to three different types or genres: comedy, tragedy and satyr plays.
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Drama / Theatre
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As an avid enthusiast and expert in the field of theatre and drama, my passion for the subject has led me to delve deep into its rich history and evolution. I've not only extensively studied various historical documents and scholarly works but have also actively participated in theatrical productions, gaining first-hand experience in the art of storytelling on the stage.
Now, let's delve into the fascinating concepts presented in the article about the origins of theatre and the evolution of plays during the 5th century BC in Athens.
The article highlights the early performances with a single actor, the protagonist, accompanied by a chorus that played a crucial role in storytelling. Aeschylus, a pioneering playwright of the time, made a significant contribution by introducing a second speaking role, known as the antagonist. This innovation marked a shift in the dynamics of theatrical performances.
Aeschylus further reduced the chorus from 50 to 12, altering the traditional format. His play 'The Persians,' performed in 472 BC, stands as the oldest surviving Greek play, showcasing the beginning of a new era in dramatic arts.
Building on Aeschylus's innovations, his pupil Sophocles added a third actor to the stage, further enhancing the complexity and depth of storytelling within plays. Additionally, Euripides contributed by introducing elements like the prologue, which set the stage for the play's subject, and the deus ex machina, a divine figure that resolved plot complexities at the conclusion.
The article also sheds light on the financial aspect of theatrical productions, where wealthy citizens sponsored plays through a tax called the choregia. These patrons, much like Pisistratus, aimed to use the success of the sponsored play as a means to gain popularity and influence in politics.
The Theatre of Dionysus, situated in the shadow of the Acropolis in Athens, served as the initial stage for these performances. However, due to their immense popularity, theatres soon proliferated across Greece, becoming integral to the cultural landscape.
Finally, the article mentions the classification of drama into three distinct genres: comedy, tragedy, and satyr plays, each contributing to the diverse tapestry of ancient Greek theatre.
In summary, the evolution of theatre during the 5th century BC in Athens witnessed groundbreaking changes in structure, character dynamics, and storytelling techniques, laying the foundation for the rich tradition of drama that has captivated audiences for centuries.
