Difference between Greek and Modern Theatres
The Difference between Greek and Modern theatres
Kimberly Legaspi
February 25th, 2013
Word count: 1478
Difference between Greek and Modern Theatres
Theatre today as in ancient Greek times is a popular form of entertainment. Today’s theatres share many similarities with the Greek predecessors however they are also very different. There are in fact many differences for example; layout, special effects, seating arrangement, the importance of drama and religion, setting, location and architectural features.
In ancient Greece festivals were mainly held at the Great Dionysia. This was the oldest theatre in Greece and many plays were performed here for example the first performance of Antigone. The patron of the theatre was the God Dionysus and there was a temple near which was dedicated in his honour. There was also a statue of the patron Goddess Athene. Today there is no link between religion and theatre, as we live in a multi-cultural society with people who follow many different faiths; therefore the theatre is secular to appeal to all people (Gill).
The various aspects of ancient Greek theatre then compare with today’s modern version of theatre. Today it is widely believed that theatre first began in ancient Greece, the evidence people used to come to this conclusion was from ancient Greek plays, Greek art and architecture.
In ancient Greek theatres the seating was arranged in a semi-circle and curve down into the centre following the natural shape of the hillside. There are many modern theatres which are arranged in this way however many have the whole audience directly opposite the stage like in a cinema. Seats in ancient Greek theatres would have been made from stone, with the audience expected to bring their own cushions. Today the audience sits on padded seats so the audience is more comfortable. This is because people have higher expectations today and society is generally more advanced, people would not sit on stone seats today. In ancient times
Kimberly Legaspi
February 25th, 2013
Word count: 1478
Difference between Greek and Modern Theatres
Theatre today as in ancient Greek times is a popular form of entertainment. Today’s theatres share many similarities with the Greek predecessors however they are also very different. There are in fact many differences for example; layout, special effects, seating arrangement, the importance of drama and religion, setting, location and architectural features.
In ancient Greece festivals were mainly held at the Great Dionysia. This was the oldest theatre in Greece and many plays were performed here for example the first performance of Antigone. The patron of the theatre was the God Dionysus and there was a temple near which was dedicated in his honour. There was also a statue of the patron Goddess Athene. Today there is no link between religion and theatre, as we live in a multi-cultural society with people who follow many different faiths; therefore the theatre is secular to appeal to all people (Gill).
The various aspects of ancient Greek theatre then compare with today’s modern version of theatre. Today it is widely believed that theatre first began in ancient Greece, the evidence people used to come to this conclusion was from ancient Greek plays, Greek art and architecture.
In ancient Greek theatres the seating was arranged in a semi-circle and curve down into the centre following the natural shape of the hillside. There are many modern theatres which are arranged in this way however many have the whole audience directly opposite the stage like in a cinema. Seats in ancient Greek theatres would have been made from stone, with the audience expected to bring their own cushions. Today the audience sits on padded seats so the audience is more comfortable. This is because people have higher expectations today and society is generally more advanced, people would not sit on stone seats today. In ancient times