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Plays
Some plays were designed to make people laugh (comedies) and others told stories with sad endings (tragedies).
Tragedies were more popular. Most Greek tragedies are based on mythology or history and deal with characters’ search for the meaning of life and the nature of the gods. Historical plays
were often based on stories involving wars between the Greek cities and their Persian neighbours. In these stories the hero saves the city, but dies in doing so.
Actors
All of the actors were either men or boys. They would also play the parts of women. The story would also have a narrator or
a chorus, who carried the story on when the actors were not speaking.
In 534 bc, a man called Thespis was the first to speak and act as though
he were the character, rather than just recite the words. This is why Thespis is thought of as the first Greek ‘actor’ and why actors today are sometimes called thespians.
Masks
The same actor might also play several parts, showing which part he was playing by changing masks. The masks were made of linen or cork. A double mask is still the symbol for the theatre.
Playwrights
Many people must have written plays, but much of their work has been lost. The most famous ancient Greek playwrights are Sophocles and Euripides.
Sponsors
Putting on a play, making the costumes and masks and so on was an expensive business and so the wealthiest citizens sponsored the events by providing money. Sponsorship is still common today.
Myths and fables
Myths and fables are stories handed down by word of mouth over many centuries. Myths are stories about the fantastic exploits of gods and heroes. Fables, on the other hand, are gentler stories, usually involving animals, and designed to point out a truth – or moral – at the end. The most famous are called Aesop’s
DAILY LIFE