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Evolution of Greek Drama from Worship of Dionysus to Tragedies: A Historical Overview

Western Drama originated in the 6th Century BC as a form of worship for the Greek god Dionysus, marking the start of spring and the growth of vines and grapes symbolizing wine and harvest. The Festival of Dionysus, involving theatrical performances, had the chorus as an essential element. The development of Greek drama led to the emergence of prominent playwrights like Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides, known for their tragedies exploring themes of fate, free will, and human emotions. The story of Medea, a tragedy by Euripides, portrays the intense emotions and actions of the protagonist towards her husband Jason's betrayal. Medea's quest for revenge takes a dark turn, culminating in a chilling climax.

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Evolution of Greek Drama from Worship of Dionysus to Tragedies: A Historical Overview

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  1. January 2013

  2.  Western Drama began in 6thCentury BC  Worship of the Greek god Dionysus  Start of Spring  Vines and grapes begin to grow.  Grapes = WINE and Harvest  Festival of Dionysus made up of Theatre Performance Competition.

  3.  To honor Dionysus’ death, a group of chanters danced around the altar on which a goat was sacrificed.  Group of Chanters = CHORUS  Chorus members were called goat-singers.  Goat-Song called TRAGOS.

  4.  Thespis- First Actor to step out of chorus and begin conversation.  THESPIS = THESPIAN = Actor (Theatre Peeps).

  5.  Trilogy – Three plays related by theme, myth, or characters.  Satyr Play- The fourth play was irreverent, bawdy burlesque .  Bawdy- Indecent, raunchy.

  6.  Performances occurred on hillsides.  Orchestra – Circular area where the chorus danced.  Wooden (stone) seats.  Skene- Small hut stone building used to change costumes and masks, then second story added and used to perform.

  7.  Machina - Crane-like hoist used to make actor fly.  Characters lowered by Machina usually represented s god from Mount Olympus who came to earth to settle human affairs.  Deus Ex Machina - god from the machine. This term is also used to indicate an artificial plot device to resolve story difficulties.

  8.  Chorus members were integral parts of Greek plays.  Chorus served to explain the situation, bring audience up to date, to make a commentary on the action.  NARRATOR!

  9.  Greatest Greek Tragedy Writers:  Aeschylus  Sophocles  Euripides

  10.  Expanded the number of actors and reduced the size of the chorus.  He left us the only surviving trilogy- The Oresteia

  11.  Refined plot structure to create plot strucutre.  Power of Gods VS Free Will  Great Tragedian – Wrote Oedipus Rex and Antigone

  12.  Became more interested in people’s every day lives than religious views.  Pathos- human sorrow and compassion.  Author of Trojan Women and Medea.

  13.  Write the keyword for each question followed by the answer. Give me the name of Medea’s husband. 1. What action is the King of Corinth planning to take in regards to Medea and her children? 2. Who does Medea hate (aside from her husband)? 3. 4. Why is Creon banishing Medea from Corinth?

  14.  Write the keyword for each question followed by the answer.  1. Creon, the King, banishes Medea from Corinth. What favor does Medea ask of Creon?  2. Medea is planning her revenge against the king, princess, and her husband Jason. How is she going to attain her revenge?  3. Medeaclaims that she rescued and helped Jason in his adventures. Jason denies it and says that -------------- is the one who blessed and helped him throughout his adventures.  4. Why is Jason marrying the princess? **bonus: " it is not right that the seed of Sisyphus and Aeson should gloat over you [Medea], the daughter of a noble sire and descendant of the Sun". What does this sentence tell you about Medea?

  15.  Write down keyword or phrase followed by answer:  1. Why was Aegeusvisiting the oracle at Delphi? 2. What promise did Aegeus make with Medea? 3. How is Medea going to poison the princess? 4. According to Medea, what is the correct thing to do with her children? *Bonus: who is Phoebus?

  16.  Write down keyword or phrase followed by answer:  1. What news did the messenger give to Medea? 2. How does Medea kill her children? 3. Jason rushes to Medeaand finds his dead children. According to Medea, who is at fault for their murder? 4. What happens to Medea at the end of the play? Explain. **Bonus: what city is she going to? ****Bonus: who is her father's father?

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