Ancient Greek Theater Research Paper

The start of theater takes off with the Greeks in the fifth century B.C. The Greeks were one of the first civilizations to truly perform and produce plays. They created many of the earliest tragedies/comedies some of which that still exist today . The Greeks developed basic theatrical techniques as well as formed the structure of the theater. Without their contribution we would not know theater as we know it today.
In ancient Greece, plays were performed in very large, open-air structures often built on hollow sloping hillsides. These went on to be some of the first theaters. Ancient Greek theatres had several different parts and structures to them. A major component of a Greek theater was the orchestra or “dancing space”. The orchestra
It was located in the very center of the theater underlying the audience. The audience of the theater was located in the Theatron or “seeing place.” This was of course where spectators sat. The seating in an ancient theater was hollow and was built very high usually apart of the overlooking hillside. The audience would sit in rows of benches typically made of wood or stone. The seats of the theatron were divided into sections by stairs on either side of the theater leading to the top section. Located directly behind the orchestra was the Skene or “stage building”. This structure was a low rectangular building with a main set of doors and was often decorated accordingly depending on the different needs of the play. It was used for actors to make entrances and exits as well as quick changes and also a place for actors to store their costumes or masks. The skene also allowed actors to climb onto its roof in case it was needed for a play.
Antigone is an ancient Greek tragedy written sometime in or before 441 B.C. The play includes a chorus and several main characters including, Antigone, Ismene, Creon and Haimon as well as a few other minor characters. The play begins with Antigone and Ismene. Antigone and Ismene are sisters, both daughters of the once king of Thebes, Oedipus. Oedipus suffers from a terrible fate and has long since left Thebes. After Oedipus’s departure his two sons Eteocles and Polynices agree to rule Thebes in alternating years. However After Eteocles’s 1st term as ruler he refuses to Polynices have his turn. This angers Polynices and he calls together an army to take Thebes. The brothers duell and end up killing the other. With Eteocles and Polynices both dead, their uncle Creon is left to rule Thebes. Creon decides he will give a proper burial to Eteocles but let Polynices’s body rot hence finding him a traitor for attacking his own city of Thebes. Creon declares a decree that if anyone dares bury Polynices their punishment will result in death. Antigone comes to Ismene to speak of Creon’s decree. She is infuriated by it and thinks Polyneices who fought just as bravely should deserve a proper burial as well. Antigone cannot betray her family and knows she must bury her brother. She urges her sister Ismene to help her however out of fear and loyalty to the state she refuses. Antigone goes against Creon’s decree and buries her brother