Topic One (1.1): The Origins of Athenian Theatrical Festivals

Introduction Icon.png Introduction

This topic introduces you to the organisation and conventions of ancient theatre. You must bear in mind that theatre only really happened twice a year at the two festivals and that the whole community was involved; going to the theatre was not something one did on a whim.

Listen Speaking Icon.png Listen

This is an excellent introduction to Aristophanes which captures his life and work perfectly:

LISTEN – Natalie Haynes Stands Up for the Classics: Aristophanes (BBC) Links to an external site.

Watch Icon.png Watch

In the following video, Professor Edith Hall talks about the origins of Greek theatre and its place in democratic Athens:

WATCH – The Theatre of Dionysus (YouTube) Links to an external site.

Skills Icon.png Tasks

  • Read the following document on the origins of comedy:

Download READ – The Origins of Comedy

  • Read and make notes on the following areas of the introduction to the Penguin edition of Frogs and Other Plays:
    • General Introduction (pages vii to x)
    • The Life and Times of Aristophanes (pages x to xiii)
    • The Cultural Context of Old Comedy (pages xiii to xxi)
    • Aristophanes and Old Comedy (pages xxi to xxxv)

Watch Icon.png Watch

In the following video from MASSOLIT, Professor Edith Hall talks about the relationship between democracy and comedy:

WATCH – Aristophanes: Comedy and Democracy (MASSOLIT) Links to an external site.

For access to the MASSOLIT website, please see the login details document in General Resources.

Skills Icon.png Task

  • Now read the following resource on the organisation of dramatic festivals and how it reflected the Athenian political system:

Download READ – The Organisation of Dramatic Festivals

  • Make notes on the key points.

Glossary Icon.png Terminology

  • 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:

Download PRINT OUT & READ – List of Key Terms Relating to the Organisation of the Dramatic Festivals

  • Make sure you understand any new terminology covered in this topic. You may like to make flashcards of key terms now, to help you with revision later on.