CLASS280 Lecture 12: Dionysus, the Dionysia and the Origins of the Theatre
Document Summary
Dionysus, the dionysia and the origins of the theatre. Every greek knew they owed it to the phoenicians. Zeus appeared to europa as a bull and carried her to crete. Agenor sent his sons in search of europa. A memorial for albert, husband of queen victoria. Married harmonia, the daughter of aphrodite and ares. Alpha = aleph, bull (symbol for bull (upside down bull) Zeus lay with semele (he appears as a man -> great king) Semele consumed by fire (zeus reveals his true form) Dionysus hides from hera -> goes on tour followed by satyrs and women -> persia, India, iraq area -> brings back the vine. A celebration of the various stages of wine production. Little (rural) dionysia december, to celebrate the harvest (disputed) Lenaea january, to celebrate the pressing (theatrical presentations) Anthesteria february/march, to open last year"s casks. Great dionysia march/april, with the main procession and contests (-wine making process)