Structure of the Greek Theater
Geranos or Makhane
It was a crude crane. An actor would be hanged to place him somewhere else, sometimes to show the appearance of God. They needed the assistance of God to explain the mystery. To give that impression, the actor would be lifted and would be placed on the stage. The idea was to show that God came flying. It was placed on top of the building.
Ekkyclema
It looked like a wheeled platform or a stretcher. One of the doors would open and it would be taken backstage after being shown to the audience. Greek ppl were highly civilized. They were allergic to violence and bloodshed. They did not like it so they came up with a way to include murder n death by using a better way i.e. door would open n someone would announce the death. Seeing the dead body affected more deeply n it had a dramatic purpose. After the announcement the dead body would be brought lying on this stretcher so the audience could see it.If the man died in bedroom the picture painted would be that of the bedroom. Hence the environment of the death would be shown.
Scena Ductis
Apart from the scenes painted on the wall of stage, there was a machine which would mechanically show the picture or scenario suiting the scene. The panel would be changed so it was a machine to change the scenes. This shows how civilized Greeks were.
Greek theater was an open air and vast theater. Normally, the area having mountains on three sides, having slopes n one side open would be chosen. The slope would be serve the purpose of seats. The audience sat in tiers. All the area of orchestra was paved with stones n was smooth with hard surface. All the actors (thespians) wore masks(persona) made of clay n linen. On these masks human features were painted so that the audience could seen recognize the character. Expressions on the masks could be changed according to the situation. On top of the mask there was a protrusion called "ONKOS".It was of 6 inches n was used to make the actor tall n added physical importance.
Costumes
They were the clothes worn by actors. The 'tunic' was either striped or had flowery designs.They reached to the feet. The mourning was highlighted by black Grey yellow or white colors. Hats or caps were not worn except when some journey was made. A dark sun-burnt complexion stood for vigorous health. Normally this type of mask was given to soldiers, country boys and athletes. Whiteness of complexion stood for effeminacy. Extreme palour was the consequence of love or illness. Red hair and red cheeks were given to rascals. Curly thick hair indicated vigor, whereas close cropped hair was a sign of miserliness n niggardliness. Some actors used STILTS (wooden legs)for dramatic purposes. There was a hidden device in the masks so the voices of the actors sounded louder. Greeks were even aware of the ACOUSTICS n the principle of sound. They knew that there should be a solid barrier behind the actor to reflect the sound, There should be a hard n smooth surface in front of actors which was provided by the place where the chorus stood. Third principle is that actors should be slightly raised n audience should sit in tiers. This way the sound with travel with the slope.
The actors were highly respected n held an honorable status in society. I n Roman Era acting became a degraded profession n it took abt 1800 years to re-establish the importance of actors..
It was a crude crane. An actor would be hanged to place him somewhere else, sometimes to show the appearance of God. They needed the assistance of God to explain the mystery. To give that impression, the actor would be lifted and would be placed on the stage. The idea was to show that God came flying. It was placed on top of the building.
Ekkyclema
It looked like a wheeled platform or a stretcher. One of the doors would open and it would be taken backstage after being shown to the audience. Greek ppl were highly civilized. They were allergic to violence and bloodshed. They did not like it so they came up with a way to include murder n death by using a better way i.e. door would open n someone would announce the death. Seeing the dead body affected more deeply n it had a dramatic purpose. After the announcement the dead body would be brought lying on this stretcher so the audience could see it.If the man died in bedroom the picture painted would be that of the bedroom. Hence the environment of the death would be shown.
Scena Ductis
Apart from the scenes painted on the wall of stage, there was a machine which would mechanically show the picture or scenario suiting the scene. The panel would be changed so it was a machine to change the scenes. This shows how civilized Greeks were.
Greek theater was an open air and vast theater. Normally, the area having mountains on three sides, having slopes n one side open would be chosen. The slope would be serve the purpose of seats. The audience sat in tiers. All the area of orchestra was paved with stones n was smooth with hard surface. All the actors (thespians) wore masks(persona) made of clay n linen. On these masks human features were painted so that the audience could seen recognize the character. Expressions on the masks could be changed according to the situation. On top of the mask there was a protrusion called "ONKOS".It was of 6 inches n was used to make the actor tall n added physical importance.
Costumes
They were the clothes worn by actors. The 'tunic' was either striped or had flowery designs.They reached to the feet. The mourning was highlighted by black Grey yellow or white colors. Hats or caps were not worn except when some journey was made. A dark sun-burnt complexion stood for vigorous health. Normally this type of mask was given to soldiers, country boys and athletes. Whiteness of complexion stood for effeminacy. Extreme palour was the consequence of love or illness. Red hair and red cheeks were given to rascals. Curly thick hair indicated vigor, whereas close cropped hair was a sign of miserliness n niggardliness. Some actors used STILTS (wooden legs)for dramatic purposes. There was a hidden device in the masks so the voices of the actors sounded louder. Greeks were even aware of the ACOUSTICS n the principle of sound. They knew that there should be a solid barrier behind the actor to reflect the sound, There should be a hard n smooth surface in front of actors which was provided by the place where the chorus stood. Third principle is that actors should be slightly raised n audience should sit in tiers. This way the sound with travel with the slope.
The actors were highly respected n held an honorable status in society. I n Roman Era acting became a degraded profession n it took abt 1800 years to re-establish the importance of actors..
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