Discuss the structure of a Greek play. What might be the purpose of those long passages by the Chorus? How might that relate to the design of a Greek theater? (you will need to look at a Greek theater diagram)
A Greek play typically starts with the presentation of the play’s topic or main idea in a short prologue. Following that scene, the chorus sings an opening piece that moves the story line along so multiple events can follow. Plays can have many acts with numerous choral numbers to tie everything together. The long passages performed by the chorus are there to form a relationship between the audience and the members of the play. Because the members of the chorus are on stage and are addressed by characters in the play, they are part of the story line. They also are there to sum up major events and emotions of the play so that it is easier to follow along by audience members. They paint a picture for each viewer of the play. In a Greek theater, the orchestra is commonly circular and in the center of the theater. This is where the members of the chorus perform. It is usually on ground level, even though the rest of the stage may or may not be. This could be so the audience and the play members are both linked to the choral performers.
The core of any Greek theater was the orchestra, where the Chorus would sing and dance. The orchestra was normally a circular, level space where the Chorus would perform and interact with the actors on the stage. A Greek play usually begins with a prologue that sets forth the subject and provides a mythological background that helps you understand what the play is about. Following that would usually be a song sung by the Chorus as it first enters, called the Parados. The Chorus acts as a narrator, they help link together different events that take place in the play. They are located at the middle of the theater, in between the audience and stage, so that they can interact with both the actors and spectators. They help bring the play alive and make you feel like you play a part. A Greek play ends with the Exodus, a song or dialogue performed by the Chorus that offers words of wisdom related to the actions and outcome of the play. The Chorus played a very important role in Greek theater. They intensified emotion and relieved tension during the play. They made the play come alive, and strengthened the relationship between actor and spectator. They started the play off and ended it. All the main events were linked with the help of the chorus.
A Greek play is, like any play, cut into scenes and parts. In the beginning, the play is sort of summarized including what the overall meaning of the play will be. The chorus is used to tell what's going on that you can't see and also what is about to happen as well as who is there at the time. The passages are so long to both incorporate everything the audience is in naivety towards and to give the actors enough time to get ready for the next scene. At the center of a Greek theatre, there is the orchestra surrounded by the stage in front and the seating behind them and also on the sides forming a semi-circle. The orchestra and chorus are a huge part of Greek theatre for it keeps the audiences attention rather than just speaking the parts through song and dance.
The point of the chorus is to show the audience that there is a scene change happening on stage. Compared to plays this day in age it would be when the curtains close so the scenes can be changed or moved around. The chorus also will explain what just happened or who is about to come on scene.
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A Greek play typically starts with the presentation of the play’s topic or main idea in a short prologue. Following that scene, the chorus sings an opening piece that moves the story line along so multiple events can follow. Plays can have many acts with numerous choral numbers to tie everything together. The long passages performed by the chorus are there to form a relationship between the audience and the members of the play. Because the members of the chorus are on stage and are addressed by characters in the play, they are part of the story line. They also are there to sum up major events and emotions of the play so that it is easier to follow along by audience members. They paint a picture for each viewer of the play. In a Greek theater, the orchestra is commonly circular and in the center of the theater. This is where the members of the chorus perform. It is usually on ground level, even though the rest of the stage may or may not be. This could be so the audience and the play members are both linked to the choral performers.
The core of any Greek theater was the orchestra, where the Chorus would sing and dance. The orchestra was normally a circular, level space where the Chorus would perform and interact with the actors on the stage.
A Greek play usually begins with a prologue that sets forth the subject and provides a mythological background that helps you understand what the play is about. Following that would usually be a song sung by the Chorus as it first enters, called the Parados.
The Chorus acts as a narrator, they help link together different events that take place in the play. They are located at the middle of the theater, in between the audience and stage, so that they can interact with both the actors and spectators. They help bring the play alive and make you feel like you play a part.
A Greek play ends with the Exodus, a song or dialogue performed by the Chorus that offers words of wisdom related to the actions and outcome of the play. The Chorus played a very important role in Greek theater. They intensified emotion and relieved tension during the play. They made the play come alive, and strengthened the relationship between actor and spectator. They started the play off and ended it. All the main events were linked with the help of the chorus.
A Greek play is, like any play, cut into scenes and parts. In the beginning, the play is sort of summarized including what the overall meaning of the play will be. The chorus is used to tell what's going on that you can't see and also what is about to happen as well as who is there at the time. The passages are so long to both incorporate everything the audience is in naivety towards and to give the actors enough time to get ready for the next scene. At the center of a Greek theatre, there is the orchestra surrounded by the stage in front and the seating behind them and also on the sides forming a semi-circle. The orchestra and chorus are a huge part of Greek theatre for it keeps the audiences attention rather than just speaking the parts through song and dance.
The point of the chorus is to show the audience that there is a scene change happening on stage. Compared to plays this day in age it would be when the curtains close so the scenes can be changed or moved around. The chorus also will explain what just happened or who is about to come on scene.
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