Question 1: Who was Dionysus, and why was he significant to the development of Greek theatre?

Answer: Dionysus was the Greek god of wine, fertility, and theatre. He was considered the patron of the arts and drama, and festivals dedicated to him, such as the Dionysia, were crucial in the development of Greek theatre. These festivals included performances of plays that celebrated Dionysus, fostering the tradition of dramatic competitions and performances.

Question 2: Describe the main differences between Greek tragedy and comedy in terms of themes and tone.

Answer: Greek tragedy typically dealt with serious themes such as fate, morality, and the gods, often involving noble characters facing downfall due to hubris or moral flaws, and had a somber tone. Comedy, on the other hand, was humorous and satirical, often mocking public figures, social norms, or human folly, with a light-hearted or humorous tone aimed at entertaining and provoking thought.

Question 3: Explain the role of the chorus in Greek theatre. How did they contribute to the storytelling?

Answer: The chorus in Greek theatre was a group of performers who sang, danced, and commented on the action of the play. They provided background information, expressed collective reactions, and helped set the mood or tone. The chorus often represented the voice of society or the community, bridging the audience and the characters, and enhancing the emotional and thematic depth of the performance.

Question 4: Imagine you are performing a scene from a Greek comedy. Describe a simple comedic situation and how you would use physical comedy and timing to enhance the humor.

Answer: A comedic scene could involve a character trying to impress others but failing in a humorous way, such as slipping on a banana peel or overly exaggerated gestures. To enhance humor, I would use slapstick physical comedy like exaggerated falls or facial expressions, and focus on timing—pausing before a punchline or reacting quickly to punchlines—to maximize comedic effect and engage the audience.

Question 5: Create a short scene outline for a tragic play involving a character facing a moral dilemma. Include the key emotional beats.

Answer: Scene outline: The protagonist, a noble character, discovers a secret that could save their loved one but at the cost of betraying a friend. The scene begins with inner conflict (emotional tension), then the character struggles with moral choice, showing doubt and despair. The climax is the decision to sacrifice their morals, leading to a moment of tragic acceptance and sorrow. Use emotional dialogue, facial expressions, and body language to depict inner turmoil and despair.

Question 6: Describe how the physical space of an ancient Greek theatre was arranged and how this influenced performances.

Answer: Ancient Greek theatres were built into hillsides with a semi-circular seating area called theatron for the audience. In front was the orchestra, where the chorus performed, and behind it was the skene, a backdrop for scenes and entrances. This arrangement allowed large audiences to view performances clearly and encouraged performers to use expressive gestures and projection to be seen and heard from a distance.

Question 7: As a performer, how would you use voice projection and body language to portray a tragic hero on stage?

Answer: To portray a tragic hero, I would use strong vocal projection to ensure my voice reaches the entire audience, expressing emotion through pitch and tone—e.g., rising tone for despair or anger. Body language should include open, expressive gestures, such as gesturing towards the heavens to show despair or clutching the heart to display inner pain. Posture and pace can also emphasize emotional states—slumping shoulders for defeat or upright stance for moments of defiance.

Question 8: Choose one Greek tragedy and one Greek comedy. Briefly explain how each reflects Greek society and values.

Answer: A Greek tragedy such as 'Oedipus Rex' reflects Greek values of fate, morality, and the importance of truth, highlighting the consequences of hubris and the gods’ will. It explores human suffering and moral responsibility. A Greek comedy like 'Lysistrata' reflects societal issues such as war, gender roles, and social satire. It uses humor to critique political and social norms, emphasizing the value of unity and peace.

Question 9: Draw a simple mask that could be worn by an actor in Greek theatre. Label the features that express emotion or character traits.

Answer: Students should draw an oval or theatrical mask with exaggerated features. Labels might include: wide-open mouth to show joy or laughter, furrowed brow for anger or concern, large eye holes for visibility, and any decorative elements indicating character traits (e.g., a beard for an old man, a crown for a king). This exercise helps understand how masks convey emotions and character in Greek theatre.