Format+of+Greek+Plays

**Format of Greek Plays**
Fifth century Theatre depicted a large circle area for the chorus – or – also known as an orchestra pit; or dancing-floor. On the other side was a low stage that provided easier access to talking and association with the chorus/orchestra. Normally, behind the stage was a type of building – with a large, centralized roof and door. Choral pieces could enter the orchestra pit. The chorus sang and danced, and normally told important details pertaining to the story.

1. The very beginning of a play is the Prologue. Spoken by a few people or characters before the chorus appears. Prologues normally give a mythological or supernatural backround that is essential for understanding the events that take place in the play.

2. A second major part, is a song sung by the choral members of the play as it first enters the orchestra pit. They also dance.

3. The first episode is the beginning, where the characters and chorus associate themselves with each other.

4. At the end of every episode, other characters normally leave the stage and the choral members sing and dance a stasimon – or, officially, Choral Ode. The ode is a reflection on the things done and said in the given episode. Or, they put the episode in some sort of mythological timeframe.

5. The last, ending finale of the Greek play is called an exodus. The chorus leaves, singing a processional song which offers wisdomatic relations of actions and the outcome.

The stages were set up Down Stage and Up Stage. The actors would perform on the raised area of the theatre, the audience being at the bottom.

"Greek Drama." //Washington State University - Pullman, Washington//. Web. 09 Nov. 2010. [].

"Greek Theater." //Reed College//. Web. 10 Nov. 2010. .