History of Theatre 3 - From Satyr Play to Comedy (Subtitles: English and Español)

History of Western Theatre

This section provides an overview of the history of Western theatre, focusing on the development of Satyr Plays and Comedy.

From Satyr Play to Comedy

• Around 501 BC, the 'Dionysia' festival introduced a new dramatic form called the Satyr Play. These plays featured half-beast, half-human creatures known as satyrs who served as the chorus.

• Satyr plays were performed after a trilogy of tragedies and provided comic relief through burlesque versions of mythological stories.

• Only one complete Satyr play, 'Cyclops' by Euripides, has survived from this period.

• The structure of a satyr play was similar to that of a tragedy, with alternating episodes and choric odes.

• However, the popularity of satyr plays declined over time, and comedy became more preferred by the public due to its connection with contemporary events.

Comedy Plays

This section explores the development of comedy plays in ancient Greece.

The Rise of Comedy Plays

• In 487 BC, the 'City Dionysia' festival introduced comedy plays. Five comic writers presented a single play each day during the festival.

• Old comedy had a similar structure to tragedy, with alternating play episodes and choric odes.

• The chorus in old comedy often consisted of non-human creatures such as wasps, frogs, or clouds.

• Comic actors wore ludicrous costumes padded at various body parts and masks that were distorted caricatures.

• Greek comedy may have originated from Dionysian phallic songs but also drew influences from Dorian farces performed in Sicily.

• Aristophanes is one notable comic poet from this era whose politically and socially based satires mocked Athenian politicians and celebrities.

Lysistrata: An Anti-War Comedy

This section focuses on Aristophanes' comedy play "Lysistrata" and its anti-war theme.

Lysistrata's Oath

• In 411 BC, during the Peloponnesian War, Aristophanes produced the anti-war comedy "Lysistrata."

• The play revolves around women from Athens and Sparta who take an oath to deny men sex until they stop fighting.

• A fragment of a scene from "Lysistrata" is presented, highlighting the comedic dialogue between characters.

Tragedy vs. Comedy

This section compares tragedy and comedy in ancient Greek society.

Contrasting Tragedy and Comedy

• Tragedy was at its peak during the height of Greek society, while comedy gained popularity during times of political decline.

• After Athens lost the Peloponnesian War in 404 BC and Alexander the Great came to power in 336 BC, comedy shifted focus from political issues to familial and societal relationships.

• This period is known as the era of "New Comedy," where love became a principal element in drama.

Timestamps are provided for each section to help locate specific parts of the video.

New Section Costume and Masks in New Comedy

This section discusses the costume and masks used in New Comedy, focusing on their realism and caricatured elements.

Costume in New Comedy

• In New Comedy, the costume was based on the dress of ordinary life.

• Comic masks were more realistic than in Old Comedy.

• Masks for slaves and certain old men still had caricatured features.

Rediscovered Play: 'Dyskolos'

• There is only one all-but-complete play of a new comedy playwright extant, entitled 'Dyskolos' or 'The Grouch'.

• Written by Menander in 316 BC.

• The play revolves around the disapproval of a parent towards their child's choice in marriage.

• It has a happy ending.

Everyday Affairs of Athens

• Menander's characters spoke in the contemporary dialect.

• They focused on everyday affairs of the people of Athens rather than great myths of the past.

• 'Dyskolos' was not presented at the Dionysia but at a smaller drama festival called Lenaia.