The Theatre Of The Greeks

An explanation of Greek theater as seen through its many depictions in classical art

In Theatre in Ancient Greek Society the author examines the social setting and function of ancient Greek theatre through the thousand years of its performance history. Instead of using written sources, which were intended only for a small, educated section of the population, he draws most of his evidence from a wide range of archaeological material - from cheap, mass-produced vases and figurines to elegant silverware produced for the dining tables of the wealthy. This is the first study examining the function and impact of the theatre in ancient Greek society by employing an archaeological approach.

A full survey of the subject of Greek theatre & drama including chapters on The Religious Origin of Greek Drama, The Tragic Chorus, The Tragic Dialogue, The Proper Classification of Greek Plays, Origin of Comedy, The Greek Tragedians: Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Greek Comedy, Aristophanes & Others, Chronology of the Greek Drama, Exhibition of the Greek Drama. Illus.

Specially written for students and enthusiasts, David Wiles introduces ancient Greek theatre and cultural life.

A history of ancient Greek drama including discussion of the drama competition, Oedipus the King, actors and the chorus, playwrights, and the legacy of Greece.

Peter Arnott discusses Greek drama not as an antiquarian study but as a living art form. He removes the plays from the library and places them firmly in the theatre that gave them being. Invoking the practical realities of stagecraft, he illuminates the literary patterns of the plays, the performance disciplines, and the audience responses. Each component of the productions - audience, chorus, actors, costume, speech - is examined in the context of its own society and of theatre practice in general, with examples from other cultures. Professor Arnott places great emphasis on the practical staging of Greek plays, and how the buildings themselves imposed particular constraints on actors and writers alike. Above all, he sets out to make practical sense of the construction of Greek plays, and their organic relationship to their original setting.

A full survey of the subject of Greek theatre & drama including chapters on The Religious Origin of Greek Drama, The Tragic Chorus, The Tragic Dialogue, The Proper Classification of Greek Plays, Origin of Comedy, The Greek Tragedians: Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Greek Comedy, Aristophanes & Others, Chronology of the Greek Drama, Exhibition of the Greek Drama. Illus.