Greek Theater
	Also known as 'Greek Drama'
	Theatrical Tradition
		Between 600 and 200 BC
	Athens was the epicenter of ancient Greek tehater
	Theatrical Forms
		Tragedy
		Comedy
		Satyr plays
	History
		Origins
			Fertility Rituals may have developed into tragedy and comedy.
			Aristitole's Poetics contains theories on the origin of Greek theatre
			The poet Arion developed the dithyramb into a chorus
			Thespis is credited with spuring the idea of masks for characters
			Tragedy means "goat song"
				Reference to the goats sacrificed to Dionysus before performances
			Aeschylus innovated a second actor in 471 BC
			Sophocles introduced a third actor in 468 BC
				This added more complexity to dramatic situations
				Three actors became the norm
				Actors distinguished via masks
			Greek chorus could act as a character
		Golden Age of Greek drama
			5th Century BC: Theater a part of Athenian culture and civic pride
			Centerpiece of the annual Dionysia was a competition between three playwrights at the Theatre of Dionysus
			430s BC -> Competitions for comedy also held
			Much remains unknown except by some playwrights:
				Aeschylus
				Sophocles
				Euripides
				Aristophanes
		Hellenistic period
			Theatrical traditions might have lost their vitality
			Peloponnesian work put a dent in the power of Athens
				may have also affected theatrical traditions
			Primary Hellenistic Theatrical Form: "New Comedy"
	Characteristics
		Writing
			Tragedy and comedy were always separated, never combined.
			Aristotle's poetics presented a thesis on a perfect structure of a dramatic play
		Architecture
			Greek theater buildings were called theatrons ("seeing place")
			The center of the tehater was the orchestra ("dancing place")
			A typical theater seated approximately 15,000 viewers
			Actors had to struggle to cast their voices to all 15,000 viewers
			Theaters were not closed-off to the surrounding environment
		Acting
			All male actors.
			No professionals.
			No subtle acting.
			Actors played more than one character in a single play commonly
			Plays included song, chant, and dance.
		Costumes and masks
			Masks used to project the voices of the actors
			Exaggerated costumes and masks
			Actors wore thick boots and gloves to exaggerate their hands
			A distinct mask was made for each character in a play