Classical Studies 2200 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Tetralogy, Epidaurus, Sophocles

• School: Western University
• Department: Classical Studies
• Course: Classical Studies 2200
• Professor: Aara Suksi

Document Summary

Gradual movement of emphasis from chorus to acted episodes. Originally a rural festival, brought into the city. Annual athenian festival in honour of god dionysus. Held in spring, when sailing season had opened. Origins roughly contemporary with beginning of democracy. Sponsored by the city as a public event. Ceremonies included: procession and sacrifices to dionysus, display of tribute (wealth, presentation of hoplite armour to sons of war-dead, recognition of benefactors. Dithyrambs: choruses of 50 men or boys, presented by each of ten tribes of athens. Paid for by the wealthiest citizens of each tribe. 3 tragedies + 1 satyr play (tetralogy: one tetralogy on each of three days, by a single playwright. 3-5 comedies by different playwrights prizes awarded (highly competitive) Athenian citizens wrote, produced, acted and formed the chorus of the plays. Training was at the expense of the wealthiest citizens, chosen by the archon.