Good afternoon, everyone! Today, we’re diving into an epic showdown from Ancient Greece, where some of the greatest playwrights of all time are competing in a dramatic contest. Imagine it’s a beautiful spring day, and nearly 17,000 people are gathering at the Theatre of Dionysus. They’re here to watch famous writers like Aeschylus and Sophocles battle it out to see whose tragic hero and story will be the most unforgettable.
Last week, the choruses of each playwright performed, with all 50 members moving across the stage, singing tales of sorrow. Today, the first chorus enters through the parados, taking their spots in the orchestra at the front of the stage. But wait, something unusual is happening! One actor steps out of the chorus and takes on a solo role. That’s Thespis, and he’s changing masks to play different characters. This is groundbreaking! Thespis is now known as the first actor in history, revolutionizing theater forever.
Now, the main event begins. Aeschylus is up first. He’s a regular competitor at the City Dionysia festival and is known as the Father of Tragedy. His plays are intense, but he cleverly keeps the violence offstage, focusing on building dramatic tension. Today, he’s doing something unexpected. His chorus is smaller, and he’s introduced a second actor to the stage. This allows for more dialogue and interaction, shifting the focus from the chorus to the actors. The audience loves it!
Next, it’s Sophocles’ turn with his famous play, “Oedipus Rex.” His chorus takes its place, but Sophocles has added a twist—he’s using three actors! These actors switch masks to play multiple roles, telling the tragic story of Oedipus, a man facing terrible circumstances. The audience is captivated as Oedipus discovers that his wife, Jocasta, is also his mother. In shock, he leaves the stage, and a messenger reveals that Oedipus has harmed himself after finding Jocasta dead. It’s a heart-wrenching moment.
As the performances conclude, the judges, chosen from all over Greece, are ready to announce the winner. In a surprising twist, a lesser-known playwright named Philocles takes first prize. What an unexpected outcome! This night will be remembered in history for the innovations it brought to theater: a smaller chorus, the addition of multiple actors, and the powerful emotional release known as catharsis. A great tragedy leaves you feeling refreshed and cleansed, doesn’t it?
And with that, our time is up. I’m Seacrestopolis, and I’m Mario Lopedokia. Until next time, peace, love, and catharsis!
Imagine you are a playwright in Ancient Greece. Write a short script for a Greek tragedy, including a chorus and at least two actors. Think about the themes of fate, destiny, and catharsis. Share your script with the class and perform a scene with your classmates.
Design and create your own Greek theater mask using paper mache or cardboard. Consider the emotions and characters you want to portray. Once your mask is complete, present it to the class and explain the character it represents and how it would be used in a play.
Work in groups to create a chorus performance. Choose a theme or story from Greek mythology and develop a short song or chant. Incorporate movement and gestures to enhance the storytelling. Perform your piece for the class, focusing on the unity and synchronization of the chorus.
Divide into two teams, one representing Aeschylus and the other Sophocles. Research their contributions to Greek theater and prepare arguments for why your playwright was more influential. Hold a debate in class to discuss their innovations and impact on drama.
Create a piece of art that represents the concept of catharsis. This could be a drawing, painting, or digital artwork. Consider how tragedy can lead to emotional release and cleansing. Share your artwork with the class and explain how it captures the essence of catharsis.
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the final day of a dramatic battle between great tragedians. It is a spring day here in Ancient Greece, and nearly 17,000 patrons are filing into the Theatre of Dionysus to watch top playwrights, including favorites Aeschylus and Sophocles, compete to see whose hero may be deemed most tragic and whose story most profound.
In last week’s battle of the choruses, all 50 members of each playwright’s chorus traveled back and forth across the stage, singing the strophe and antistrophe, telling tales of woe. Today’s first chorus is entering through the parados, taking their positions in the orchestra at the bottom of the stage. Mario Lopedokia, this is nothing we haven’t seen before—50 members speaking from the depths of their souls.
Wait, what is this? I’ve not seen this before, Seacrestopolis. There is one actor stepping out of choral formation, assuming an independent role in this play. Can you make out who it is? That looks like Thespis. It seems he’s changing his mask and taking on the role of another character. Incredible! Surely, Thespis will go down in history as the very first actor. He has changed the face of theater forever.
And that was just the warm-up act. On to the main attraction. Aeschylus will have the stage first. Let’s see what he does. We expect great things. In the last competition, Sophocles beat him by a narrow margin, but Aeschylus is still considered the Father of Tragedy. Aeschylus frequently competes at this festival, the City Dionysia. Though his plays are intense, the bloodshed is never seen by the audience, allowing the dramatic tension to take center stage. Let’s see what he does today to try to win his title back.
Here comes Aeschylus’s chorus, but they seem to be missing quite a few members. What is going on here? Not only are they down a few people, but there are also two actors taking center stage. This is absolutely unheard of! He has built on Thespis’s idea and added a second actor to the mix. Aeschylus is relying on these two individuals to tell the story. The dialogue possible in tragedy has now taken precedence over the chorus. No wonder he drastically shrunk its size. This applause is well deserved.
The crowd has hushed. Sophocles’s actors and chorus are taking the stage for the play, “Oedipus Rex.” As usual, the chorus is set up in the orchestra. And what’s this? Sophocles has added a third actor. Will this one-upmanship never end? Three actors, and they are changing their masks to take on several different roles as they weave the tale of Oedipus, a character who faces tragic circumstances.
It is indeed tragic, Mario Lopedokia. Call me crazy, but I’m willing to bet that future generations will hold this play up as the perfect example of tragedy. Excuse me, Seacrestopolis. Oedipus has left the stage after realizing Jocasta was both his wife and mother. Where has he gone? I can’t even imagine.
Wait. The messenger has stepped on stage and is telling us of the great king’s actions. He says that Oedipus, upon finding Jocasta dead, took the brooches from her dress and harmed himself. You can’t blame the guy, can you? He faced unimaginable circumstances.
My friend, I do believe we’ve seen it all. Indeed, we have. There is nothing more tragic than Oedipus. And sure enough, the judges who have been chosen by lot from all over Greece are ready to announce the winner. Oh, folks! This is one for the history books. Dark horse playwright, Philocles, has taken first prize. What an upset! What a night, folks.
We have witnessed the laying of the foundation of modern theater and some great innovations: the shrinking of the chorus, the addition of three actors, and such catharsis. Doesn’t a great tragedy just make you feel renewed and cleansed?
It sure does, but now we are out of time. I’m Seacrestopolis, and I’m Mario Lopedokia. Peace, love, and catharsis.
Tragedy – A dramatic work that presents the downfall of a dignified character or characters who are involved in historically or socially significant events. – In the tragedy “Romeo and Juliet,” the young lovers’ fate is sealed by their families’ feud.
Chorus – A group of performers in a play or musical who comment on the main action, typically speaking and moving together. – In ancient Greek theater, the chorus often provided background information and reflections on the events of the play.
Actors – Individuals who perform roles in a play, movie, or television show. – The actors delivered their lines with such passion that the audience was moved to tears.
Playwrights – Writers who create plays for the theater. – William Shakespeare is one of the most famous playwrights in history, known for his timeless works.
Theater – A building or outdoor area where plays and other dramatic performances are given. – The new theater in town has state-of-the-art facilities for both actors and audiences.
Performance – The act of presenting a play, concert, or other form of entertainment. – The performance of the school play was so captivating that it received a standing ovation.
Dialogue – The conversation between characters in a play, book, or film. – The witty dialogue in the play kept the audience laughing throughout the evening.
Emotions – Strong feelings derived from one’s circumstances, mood, or relationships with others. – The actors conveyed a range of emotions, from joy to despair, through their expressive performances.
Masks – Coverings worn on the face to disguise or transform the wearer, often used in theatrical performances. – In traditional Japanese Noh theater, masks are used to represent different characters and emotions.
Catharsis – The process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions, often through art. – The tragic ending of the play provided a catharsis for the audience, allowing them to experience and release their own emotions.
