Topic Two (1.2): The Theatre of Dionysus and its Conventions

Introduction

The focus of this topic is the structure of the theatre space and how it was used. The theatre of Dionysus in Athens was on the south slope of the Acropolis and as the plays were performed, the actors would have seen the Parthenon, the immense and highly decorated temple to Athena, looking down at them. This would be a constant reminder of their identity as Athenians.

Watch

In the following video from MASSOLIT, Professor Edith Hall discusses the Theatre of Aristophanes:

WATCH – Aristophanes: The Theatre of Aristophanes (MASSOLIT) Links to an external site. 

Task

Read the following resource on the theatre and its conventions:

READ – The Theatre of Dionysus Download READ – The Theatre of Dionysus

Terminology

• Make sure you understand any new terminology covered in this topic. 
• Print out the following list of key terms and keep it in your folder so you can tick off new terminology as you encounter it:

PRINT OUT & READ – List of Key Terms for the Theatre Space Download PRINT OUT & READ – List of Key Terms for the Theatre Space

• You might also like to download a picture of the Theatre of Dionysus and annotate it yourself with the key terms, or make flashcards for key terms as you go along, with the word on one side and the definition on the other. This makes revision much easier.