Greek drama teaches us about how we should behave and also makes us aware of some of the follies of being human - it teaches us about human nature. There were festivals incorporating competitions between playwrights in order to ascertain who had the sharpest tongue, the most dramatic tone and had the most to learn in their plays.

 

You are to answer all Key Research Questions and Contemporary Reflective Questions.

 

Key Research Questions:

• What was the function of theatre in Ancient Greece?

• What were the three main types of theatre in Ancient Greece and what were the purpose and characteristics of each?

• What was the role of the Chorus in Ancient Greek Theatre?

• How were plays performed and what resources were used to enhance performances?

 

Contemporary Reflective Questions:

• What ideas of techniques has modern theatre (or other eras and styles, such as Shakespeare) borrowed from Ancient Greece?

• Do the Ancient plays still have something to us in the modern world?

 

Select ONE of the following practical activities:

 

Group options:

 

- Choose one Ancient Greek play (e.g. Alcestis, Antigone, Oedipus Rex) and identify the morals and messages in the play.  Write a short play in the style of Ancient Greek Theatre, or select a section of an original play which you will perform to teach these morals to the class.

 

- Create a performance using Ancient Greek performance techniques which teaches the class about the various roles of the Chorus in Ancient Greek Theatre. 

 

Individual options:

 

- Build a mask or make a costume in the style of Ancient Greek Theatre – you will need to choose a famous Ancient Greek character to base it on.

 

- Create a poster to explain the different sections of Ancient Greek Theatres.

 

 

 

The following websites will help you in establishing an understanding of the meaning of Ancient Greek drama and how it worked.