Ancient Greek Theatre
By hughie Flannery
Origins
Actors
Illustrations of theatrical masks from 5th century displays helmet-like masks, covering the entire face and head, with holes for the eyes and a small aperture for the mouth, as well as a wig. These paintings never show actual masks on the actors in performance; they are most often shown being held by the actors before or after a performance
The Stage
The stage was set up according to wealth. The rich sat the poor stood
Comedy And Tragedy
These two genres were the most popular genres of all of the theatre.
The Costumes
The costumes were not very unique. They looked more like everyday clothing
Plays/Shows
Tragedy, comedy, and satyr plays were the theatrical forms.
Tragedy and comedy were viewed as completely separate genres. Satyr plays dealt with the mythological subject in comic manner. Aristotle's Poetics sets out a thesis about the perfect structure for tragedy.
Masks/Costumes
The shape of the mask amplified the actor's voice, making his words easier for the audience to hear. All masks were made of linen or cork, that is why none have survived to this day. Tragic masks had mourning or pained expressions, comedy masks were smiling or sneering.
Costumes where made of linen and cloth. They were colourful in comedies and dark colours in tragedies. They were worn to suit the type of play and the type of the character.