Greek Theater Terms
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40 terms
Terms | Definitions |
|---|---|
 skene | stage building behind orchestra where the actors changed costumes |
| dithyramb | was an ode to Dionysus |
| deuteragonist | a sidekick who accompanies the main protagonist (Aeschylus) |
| orchestra | circular acting space at center, translates as "dancing place" |
| theatron | spectator seating; "seeing place" (embankment) |
| tritagonist | a third character which allowed more complex interactions of dialogue (Sophocles) |
| thymele | altar of Dionysus that sits in the center of Orchestra |
| proskenion | portion immediately in front of the skene was used as an acting area |
| parodos (stage diagram) | passage ways for the actors to make their entrances and exits |
| ekkykelemia | cart rolled out to show bides of warriors killed in battle |
| prohedria | the stone seats reserved for prestigious people originally for the priests |
| exodos | the final or exit scene |
| prologos | establishes dramatic situation |
| parados (play structure) | the first choral ode of Chorus, "exposition" |
| paean | a hymn of praise to the gods |
| episode | main action, equivalent of an "Act" |
| stasima | choral interlude, makes comment on the action in the Episode |
| exodos | final summation and exit of Chorus |
| chorus | composed of 15 men that express opinions, gives advice, and author's point of view |
| choragos | leader of the chorus that can play a individual role in the play |
| strophe | part of the ode moving from right to left |
| antistrophe | left to right |
| ode | separated each scene; no curtain; also response to scene |
| epode | final stanza of the ode |
| three unities | one day, one setting, one plot (Aristotle) |
| paean | choral hymn in praise of a god (Dionysos) |
| tragedy | as defined by Aristotle, a play in which suffering brings about self-knowledge; serious treatment of religious and moral questions. |
| katharsis | a cleansing the viewer receives from watching; a release from tension |
| aristeia | excellence |
| harmartia (tragic flaw) | act, moral flaw or intellectual mistake |
| peripeteia | reversal of fortune |
| anagnorisis | understanding |
| polytheistic | many gods |
| anthropomorphism | giving human qualities to the gods |
| hubris | setting up of self as superior to all humans, even equal to God (gods); extreme pride; arrogance |
| deus ex machina | crane mounted on skene; used to bring about the appearance of gods. usually a stuffed dummy suspended in air. |
| dramatic irony | discrepancy between what the character thinks and what the audience knows. |
| oracle | of Apollo at Delphi; one who delivers god's message to man. |
| regicide | killing of a king |
| patricide | killing one's own father |
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