The theatricality of Greek tragedy : playing space and chorus / Graham Ley.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Ley, Graham.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Greek drama (Tragedy)--History and criticism.

Greek drama (Tragedy).

Theater--Greece--History--To 500.

Theater.

Drama--Technique.

Drama.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (247 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Chicago : University Of Chicago Press, 2007.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Ancient Greek tragedy has been an inspiration to Western culture, but the way it was first performed has long remained in question. In The Theatricality of Greek Tragedy, Graham Ley provides an illuminating discussion of key issues relating to the use of the playing space and the nature of the chorus, offering a distinctive impression of the performance of Greek tragedy in the fifth century BCE. Drawing on evidence from the surviving texts of tragedies by Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides, Ley explains how scenes with actors were played in the open ground of the orchestra, often considered as exclusively the dancing place of the chorus. In reviewing what is known of the music and dance of Greek antiquity, Ley goes on to show that in the original productions the experience of the chorus-expressed in song and dance and in interaction with the characters-remained a vital characteristic in the performance of tragedy. Combining detailed analysis with broader reflections about the nature of ancient Greek tragedy as an art form, this volume-supplemented with a series of illustrative drawings and diagrams-will be a necessary addition to the bookshelf of anyone interested in literature, theater, or classical studies.

Contents:

Frontmatter

Contents

Preface

CHAPTER ONE. The Playing Space

CHAPTER TWO. The Chorus

Conclusion

References

Index

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references (p. [207]-214) and index.

ISBN:

9786612646393

9781282646391

1282646397

9780226477565

0226477568

OCLC:

649914320