Theatre: Origins of TheatreOrigins of Theatre Storytelling Imitation Religious Observances Rituals  CostumingThespis was the first actorTheatre and Religion Theatre was intimately bound up with Religion Annual Festivals were in honor of the Gods City Dionysiao Honored Dionysus o Lasted 7 days o 3days were devoted to Tragedyo 5 Comedieso Satyr PlaysTheatre and Myth Myths have a strong hold because they o Sum up views of human relationshipo Try to explain the problems, catastrophes and opportunities life presents the individualGreek Tragedy Most admired form of drama Three Playwrights Aeschylus o Added the second actoro Master of trilogy  Sophocleso Added the third actor Euripideso Most modern Oresteia (Play he wrote) is the only extant trilogy All actors in a Greek play were men who wore masksSix Elements of Drama Plot Thought Music Characters Language (pros, verse) Speckle Plot is selection and arrangement of scenes as they appear on the stageDominus- Head of the troupe and lead actor; Responsible for production, to make money (Rome Culture)Choregus- Person chosen to be in charge of producing the play, doesn’t make any money because festivals are free but pays money to produce plays (Greek Culture)Catharsis- Great release of emotionTragedies are NOT SAD in Greek