Where was the Theater of Dionysus held?
Athens
Theatre of Dionysus, prototype of Greek theatres, situated on the south side of the Acropolis in Athens, in which all extant classical Greek plays were first presented. Development on the site began with the creation of the orchestra, a circular floor of earth 60 feet in diameter with an altar at the centre.
Who was the Choragus?
choragus, also spelled Choregus, or Choragos, plural Choragi, Choregi, or Choragoi, in ancient Greek theatre, any wealthy Athenian citizen who paid the costs of theatrical productions at festivals during the 4th and 5th centuries bc.
What was the Ekkyklema used for?
An ekkyklêma (/ˌɛksɪˈkliːmə/; Greek: εκκύκλημα; “roll-out machine”) was a wheeled platform rolled out through a skênê in ancient Greek theatre. It was used to bring interior scenes out into the sight of the audience. Some ancient sources suggest that it may have been revolved or turned.
Is the Theatre of Dionysus still in use?
After the late 5th century AD the theatre was abandoned: its orchestra became an enclosed courtyard for a Christian basilica (aithrion) which was built into the eastern parados, while its cavea served as a stone quarry.
Is the theater of Dionysus used today?
Theatre of Dionysus: Fact box The theatre continued to be used into Roman times, though performances were more often put on in the Odeion of Herodes Atticus, a spectacular theatre built by the Romans in 174 AD. It is still used for performances today.
What function did the Choregus perform in Greek Theatre?
Choregoi were responsible for supporting many aspects of theatre production in ancient Athens: paying for costumes, rehearsals, the chorus, scenery or scene painting (including such items as mechane and ekkyklema), props (including elaborate masks), special effects, such as sound, and musicians, except that the state …
Who is the choragus in Antigone?
Choragos is the leader of the chorus and its spokesperson. The chorus has the following roles in Antigone: It explains the action. It interprets the action in relation to societal customs and the laws of the gods.
How does a Periaktoi work?
It consists of a revolving solid equilateral triangular prism made of wood. On each of its three faces, a different scene is painted, so that, by quickly revolving the periaktos, another face can appear to the audience.
What is a ekkyklema in Greek Theatre?
eccyclema, Greek Ekkyklēma, also called Exostra, in classical Greek theatre, stage mechanism consisting of a low platform that rolled on wheels or revolved on an axis and could be pushed onstage to reveal an interior or some offstage scene such as a tableau.
What is deus ex machina when used as a scenic device?
Deus ex Machina is now the phrase used to describe any situation where something unexpected or implausible is brought in to the story line to resolve situations or disentangle a plot. The resolution could come from a new character, device, or event.