Greek theatre (disambiguation) facts for kids

Greek theatre refers to the amazing plays and performances that took place in Ancient Greece a very long time ago. It's also about the special buildings where these plays were performed. These ancient performances were super important to Greek culture and have influenced theatre all over the world, even today!

What Was Ancient Greek Theatre?

Ancient Greek theatre began over 2,500 years ago. It started as part of religious festivals honoring Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and celebration. People would gather to watch plays that told stories about gods, heroes, and everyday life. These plays were not just for fun; they also taught lessons about right and wrong, and about the world.

The Theatre Building

The ancient Greeks built special outdoor theatres for their plays. These theatres were usually carved into hillsides, which helped with the sound. Imagine a giant, open-air stadium!

• The orchestra was a flat, circular area at the bottom where the chorus sang and danced.
• The skene was a building behind the orchestra. It looked like a palace or temple and was used for actors to change costumes or as a backdrop.
• The theatron was where the audience sat. It was a large, sloped seating area, often shaped like a horseshoe.

Who Performed?

In ancient Greek theatre, only men and boys were allowed to be actors. They played all the parts, even the female characters!

• Actors wore special masks that showed the character's emotions or age. These masks also helped their voices carry across the large theatre.
• The chorus was a group of performers who sang, danced, and sometimes spoke together. They often commented on the story or gave advice to the characters.
• Playwrights were the writers of the plays. Famous Greek playwrights include Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, and Aristophanes.

Types of Plays

There were three main types of plays in ancient Greece:

Tragedy: Serious Stories

Tragedies were serious plays that often told stories about heroes facing big challenges or terrible fates. They usually ended sadly, showing how human pride or fate could lead to downfall.

Comedy: Funny Stories

Comedies were funny plays that often made fun of politicians, famous people, or everyday life. They usually had happy endings and were meant to make the audience laugh.

Satyr Plays: A Bit of Both

Satyr plays were short, funny plays that were performed after a series of tragedies. They often featured a chorus of satyrs (mythical creatures that were half-human, half-goat) and made fun of the serious themes of the tragedies.

Why Was It Important?

Ancient Greek theatre was more than just entertainment. It was a way for people to explore ideas about society, religion, and human nature. It helped shape the way we think about storytelling and performance even today. Many of the ideas and structures from Greek theatre are still used in plays and movies around the world.

Greek Theatre Today

The influence of ancient Greek theatre can still be seen in many places. Modern theatres and plays often use ideas from the ancient Greeks. Some places have even built new theatres that look like the old ones!

• Hearst Greek Theatre, at the University of California (Berkeley), United States
• Greek Theatre (Los Angeles), California, United States
• Greek Theater and Colonnade of Civic Benefactors, Denver, Colorado, in Denver Civic Center, United States
• Greek Theatre (Baton Rouge), Louisiana at Louisiana State University, United States
• Greek Theatre of Syracuse, Sicily, Italy

See also

In Spanish: Teatro griego para niños