THEA 2011 Lecture Notes - Theatre Of Ancient Greece, Dithyramb, Aeschylus
20 Mar 2014
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Ancient greek theatre had long tradition of storytelling; iliad and odyssey may derive from epic oral songs. Greeks themselves had different theories how theatre evolved. Modern scholars must piece together theories from fragmentary evidence. Dithyrambs were songs for 50 person choruses in circular formation. Usually told tales from mythology due to research. Legend told that thespis invented a new kid of dithyramb: An actor imitated a greek hero, engaging in dialogue with the chorus. The philosopher aristotle believed dithyrambs where the origin of tradgedy. In athens, a competition for dithyrambs became part of the annual festival of. According to aristotle, newer forms then emerged at the festival. Aeschylus created plays for 2 actors and a chorus, and made speech more important than song. Created plays for 2 actors and a chorus. Greek tragedy was only preformed once a year and in a ritualistic context. The city of dionysus was a huge festival in athens that included competitions for best tragedy.
