Oedipus the King Introduction
How do you think reading a drama differs from seeing a drama?
Oedipus the King Introduction
DramaComedyTragedy
Aristotle: Poetics 384-322 BCE
Tragic heroTragic flaw (hamartia)
hubris
Oedipus the King Introduction
What is the purpose of art? Why would someone want to see a play (a tragedy) where “bad” things happen?
Oedipus the King Introduction
Aristotle continuedPathos
Catharsis
Watching plays – tragedies in particular – serves a civic function
Oedipus the King Introduction – An Ancient Theater
Oedipus the King Introduction
Sophocles (496-406 BCE)Oedipus Trilogy
Oedipus the King Oedipus at Colonus Antigone
Battle of Salamis (480 BCE)Athens
Oedipus the King Introduction
Greek theater began as a dance, a religious ceremony Choros
Worship of DionysusA speaker added
HypokritesThespis added second actor
Birth of theaterSophocles added a third actor
Oedipus the King Introduction – An Ancient Theater
Oedipus the King Introduction
In late 5th century, theater still a place of worship
Spring festival of DionysusAmphitheater: ~14,000 seatsNo “special effects”Plays based on well-known storiesMasksRole of chorus
Oedipus the King Introduction
Oedipus the King Introduction
Parts of a Classical Greek Drama Prologue Parados 1st Episode 1st Stasimon………… Exodus