The document discusses Western classical plays and operas from ancient Greece, including that tragedies produced in 5th century BC Athens often focused on myths and moral issues, while comedies commented on and criticized the government. It provides the example of Oedipus, a famous Greek tragedy by Sophocles about a man prophesied to unintentionally kill his father and marry his mother. Actors wore colorful costumes and masks while a chorus danced and sang as part of each play.

1. WESTERN
CLASSICAL PLAYS
AND OPERAS
4th Quarter

2. CLASSICAL
PERIOD

3. GREEK THEATER
•Produced in Athens in 5th
century BC
•Famous writers of tragedies
Aeschylus Sophocles Euripides

4. GREEK THEATER
•Tragedies – based on myths
and ancient heroes.
Themes – focused on moral
issues.

5. GREEK THEATER
•Comedies – way to comment
and criticize government and
politicians.
Aristophanes – famous Greek
comic playwright

6. ELEMENTS AND
PRINCIPLES OF
WESTERN
CLASSICAL PLAYS

7. Plot
A famous ancient Greek tragedy written
by Sophocles. It was about the life of a
man called Oedipus, who at birth was
prophesized by an oracle that he would
unintentionally kill his father and marry
and his mother.
Costumes The actors were colorful costumes and
masks.
Chorus The chorus danced and sang as part of
each play.