Theatre

Ancient Greek theatre (originating in Greece) was first seen in the fifth century BC, Athens. Theatre comes from the word //theatron// meaning “seeing place” and drama comes from the word //dran// meaning “to do”. The dramas seen in this time period were used to tell a story, “stylized dramas with meanings behind the obvious.” Many plays, due to the ancient Greeks’ imaginations and fascinations, were based on the origins of tragedy and comedy. Most all Greek plays were performed in an outdoor theatre, casting three actors, who would go back stage after playing one character, switch costumes and masks, and reappear as another character and a chorus. These were mostly held as a part of a religious festival to open a religious ceremony. Plays were always held in competi tion with the other plays, and were voted first, second, or third place. Comedies usually dealt with contemporary figures and problems as tragedies were used to explain stories from the mythic past. (Comedy-present, Tragedy-past.)  - Orchestra: a level space where the chorus would dance, sing and interact with the actors who were on the stage near the skene. Early orchestras were made of hard earth, but later were paved with marble and other materials. - Theatron: place where the audience sat. Usually was a part of a hillside that over-looked the theatre, surrounding a large portion of the orchestra. The audience usually sat on boards or cushions during the early Greek times, but later marble seats were constructed.

- Skene: building directly behind the stage. This building was usually decorated as a certain place (palace, temple, etc.) according to the needs of the play. There was also access to the roof of the skene from behind so that actors who played gods and other characters could appear on the roof if neede d. -  Parados: the paths that the chorus and some actors used to make their entrances and exits. These were also used by the audience to enter and exit the theatre.

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