Greek Theater Tutorial

1. Greek Theater
A QUICK!! Overview

5. The Known Playwrights
• Thespis- the first actor
– One character stepped froward from the chorus to
narrate or tell the story
• Sophocles
– Used three characters and created more realistic
dramatic scenes

6. Sophocles
• Developed form of tragedy to a high artDeveloped form of tragedy to a high art
• Plays focused on humans under thePlays focused on humans under the
influence of the godsinfluence of the gods
• Stories taught moral and social lessonsStories taught moral and social lessons
• Oedipus CycleOedipus Cycle
– Told the story of a great king who violatedTold the story of a great king who violated
the rules of the gods (and society)the rules of the gods (and society)

7. Oedipus Rex
• Oedipus was raised as an orphan
• Went to search for his true origins
• Killed the Sphynx, became king and
married the former queen
• Learned that she was his mother!!
• Blinded himself and became an exile