Greek Drama and Theater

Drama and Society

1. What causes may have led to the development of theater in Athens in the fifth century BC?

2. How was the timing of the festivals related to the agricultural cycle?

3. What is the City Dionysia?

4. How did drama reflect the social customs of the time?

Theater - Greek Tragedy

Watch the opening and explain why Greek tragedy is still relevant.

Also, explain the following terms in your notebook:

Aristotle's formula

Hamartia

Death

The sun as a metaphor. How does this differ from the Christian conception of death?

Structure

Construction of plot

Influence on modern playwrights

Catharsis

Read "Performance" and write any new information or contradictory information in your notes.