The Ancient Greeks were a collection of people who lived on a rocky outcropping of islands and peninsulas between the Mediterranean and Agean Sea known as The Peloponesians. This civilization existed in its prime in the years 1000 b.c.e. (which means "Before Christian Era") to about 100 b.c.e.. On the map above you will see a great image of Greece as it looked back then. Below, you will find another image of Greece as it looks today:
The theatre traditions of ancient greece began with festivals celebrating the god of wine: Dionysus (die-oh-knee-sis.) During these festivals large groups of men would join their voices together in song and poetry. There were no women who performed in the festivals in this way. The group of men were called a Chorus. This is the same name we give to large singing groups today. The songs and poems could be funny, or sad. We call these Comedies and Tragedies. The chorus would be asked to perform the same pieces year after year. As the years went on, the Chorus began to dress in elaborate, bright colored costumes with masks that would represent characters. The mask would be carved out of wood and had a large mouth with a megaphone-like piece that would amplify the voice.
The Greek chorus eventually decided to divide the songs and poems so that first one and then a few people had the most important parts. It is said that the first man to step from the chorus was named Actor. Below are two sculpture of actors. They are wearing masks and are performing poses the we relate to Tragedies:
Eventually the Greeks would make the festival of Dionysis into one of their most important yearly rituals. Tens of thousands of people would come to the biggest cities (like Athens,) to take part in the festival and watch the Chorus and the Actors perform plays. These plays were part of a big competition.Here's a youtube clip of a recreation of what people think ancient greek theatre looked like:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bj2ZCDhY4wU&feature=related
