Greek theatre represents the birth of dramatic storytelling. Rooted in ritual and flourishing in the 5th century BC, it continues to influence modern theatre and offers an intriguing study for anyone interested in acting. Two dominant genres of ancient Greek theatre were tragedy and comedy, each holding unique conventions and stylistic features. Understanding these forms offers a fascinating insight into classical acting and the historical foundation of performance arts.
The Origin of Greek Theatre
Greek theatre began around the 5th century BC, during a period known as the Classical Age. Theatre evolved from the festivals held in Athens to honor the god Dionysus. During these festivals, chorus members would sing hymns called ‘dithyrambs,’ accompanied by dance and music. Over time, these celebrations evolved into a more structured form of storytelling, giving birth to theatre.
Greek tragedy, the older of the two genres, was first introduced by Thespis, who is also considered the first actor (‘Thespian’ is now a common term for actor). He introduced the use of masks, a common feature of Greek theatre, and was the first to play a character separate from the chorus. Comedy emerged later, around the mid-5th century BC, largely credited to playwright Aristophanes.
Greek Tragedy: A Celebration of Human Spirit
Greek tragedies were profound dramas that explored weighty themes like morality, justice, and the human condition. They often involved a heroic character whose downfall was brought about by a tragic flaw, or ‘hamartia.’
Tragedy aimed to induce catharsis in the audience – an emotional purging or sense of relief following the characters’ intense emotional journey. To do this, the stories often explored suffering and loss, encouraging the audience to reflect on their fears and vulnerabilities.
Notable Greek tragedians include Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides. Aeschylus’ “The Oresteia,” Sophocles’ “Oedipus Rex,” and Euripides’ “Medea” are foundational works within this genre, dealing with themes of fate, justice, and divine intervention.
In terms of performance, the Greek tragic actor had to be highly skilled. The use of masks demanded excellent physical acting skills since facial expressions couldn’t be seen. The actors had to express their characters’ emotions and intentions through physicality, voice, and gesture.
Greek Comedy: The Mirror of Society
Comedy in ancient Greek theatre was a contrast to the somber mood of tragedies. It served as a satirical and humorous commentary on Greek society, politics, and literature. Comedies were often lighthearted, but they also had a sharp critical edge, using humor to comment on and critique society and politics.
The most famous Greek comedic playwright is Aristophanes, known for his biting satire and humorous critique of Athenian society. His play “Lysistrata,” for instance, is a comedic narrative of Athenian women withholding sexual privileges from their husbands to end the Peloponnesian War.
Acting in Greek comedies required a robust sense of timing, physical comedy, and improvisation. Comedic actors needed to navigate the intricacies of comic timing, exaggeration, and physicality. Like tragedy, comedy also used masks, so the physicality of the actor was essential in conveying the humor.
Significance of the Chorus
In both Greek tragedy and comedy, the chorus played a critical role. Comprised of local citizens, the chorus was a staple of Greek theatre, serving as a kind of ‘narrator’ that helped explain the story to the audience. The chorus communicated through song and dance, offering a communal voice that could express opinions, ask questions, or give advice to the main characters.
The chorus’s performance involved meticulous coordination of voice and movement, underlining the communal nature of these performances and the shared experiences the plays aimed to evoke in their audiences.
Greek Theatre’s Impact on Classical Acting
Greek theatre has had a profound influence on the development of Western acting and drama. It introduced the concept of a protagonist, established the use of dialogue in storytelling, and explored the dynamic between individual characters and a collective chorus.
The physicality required in Greek theatre due to the use of masks and choruses underlines the importance of body language in acting. Greek theatre also emphasizes the importance of voice. The open-air design of ancient Greek theatres required actors to project their voices without the help of modern amplification.
The themes of Greek tragedy and comedy—moral dilemmas, societal critique, political satire—remain central to much of modern drama. Greek theatre introduced the concept of catharsis, demonstrating how theatre can provide audiences an emotional release, a concept that continues to resonate with modern audiences and performance theories.
Conclusion: Embodying the Classical Spirit
Greek tragedy and comedy form the bedrock of Western theatre. They present fundamental acting challenges: how to portray characters with masks, how to use the body to express emotion, and how to engage the audience with deep philosophical themes or satirical social commentary.
Studying these genres allows actors to appreciate the origins of their craft, understand the evolution of performance arts, and acknowledge the enduring relevance of the themes and techniques pioneered in ancient Greece. Greek tragedy and comedy underscore the transformative power of theatre, its ability to mirror society, and the continuing quest for understanding the complexities of human nature.
Today’s actors, while benefiting from technological advancements and modern theories of acting, can still learn from the techniques and themes of Greek tragedy and comedy. These classical forms encourage an understanding of the actor’s role as a storyteller, a social critic, and an explorer of humanity’s profoundest issues. In doing so, they remind us of the rich history of the acting profession and its significant role in reflecting and shaping human experience.