Influence of Thepsis on Greek Theatre

INTRODUCTION When considering ancient Greek life, theater was massively important. This is apparent by the Theater of Dionysius’ placement in the city state of Athens, with its close proximity to the Acropolis and the Parthenon. The Acropolis by definition meant the high point of the city state, and was on a plateau. Its raised status highlights its importance, thus radiating that importance onto nearby structures as well. Although the Greeks valued rational and reason, they also valued their emotional side as well. All plays were dedicated to the god of emotion – Dionysius. Much of what we know of the comedic aspects of Hellenic Greek theater productions comes from the plays of the playwright Aristophanes. The theatre of ancient Greece, or ancient Greek drama, is a theatrical culture that flourished in ancient Greece between c. 550 and c. 220 BCE. The city-state of Athens, which became a significant cultural, political, and military power during this period, was its center, where it was institutionalized as part of a festival called the Dionysia, which honored the god Dionysus. Tragedy, comedy, and the satyr play were the three dramatic genres to emerge there. Greek tragedy was created in Athens before 532 BCE, when Thespis was the earliest recorded playwright. Being a winner of the first theatrical contest held at Athens, he was the leader of the dithyrambs performed in and around Attica, especially at the rural Dionysia. The word tragoidia, from which the English word "tragedy" is derived, is a portmanteau of two Greek words: tragos or "goat" and ode meaning "song", from aeideion, "to sing". This etymology indicates a link with the practices of the ancient Dionysian cults. Thespis aided in the final transition from dithyramb to tragedy by adding characters who speak (rather than sing) with their own voice (rather than a single narrative chorus). Because of these, Thespis is often called the "Father of Tragedy"; however, his importance is disputed, and Thespis is sometimes listed as late as 16th in the chronological order of Greek tragedians. Thus, Thespis's true contribution to drama is unclear at best, but his name has been immortalized as a common term for performer--a "thespian." The dramatic performances were festival to its numerous colonies and allies in order to promote a common cultural identity. Western theatre originates in Athens and its drama has had a significant and sustained impact on Western culture as a whole. HISTORY OF THEPSIS Thespis (from the 6th century B.C Athens) was a Greek poet and was born in the district of Icaria, in northern Attica, near Marathon. Yet an extant ancient source refers to him simply as “Athenian. The name “Thespis” (THEHS-puhs) comes from a word that means “divinely speaking” or from a similar word that means “divinely singing”. Thespis is known as the great “Father of Tragedy”. Aristotle, according to the rhetorician Themistius, stated that Greek tragedy in its earliest stage consisted entirely of just choral dancing and recitation. This was only until Thespis introduced the prologue and the interval speeches and incorporated it into Greek Theater. Therefore, Thespis was the first Greek person to introduce and establish the phenomenon of a person acting/impersonating a character on stage as well as singing/ dancing as that specific character. He is credited with inventing the first actor, a character separate from the chorus performing at the festivals in honor of the god Dionysus. Perhaps his first dramatic efforts were rather crude representations of the doings of satyrs, lustful, mischievous goat-men. The etymology of the word “tragedy” can be traced to a word meaning “song of goats. Moreover, Thespis interweaved choral song with an actor’s speeches and tragic dialogue began when the actor (Thespis), exchanged words with the leader of the chorus (choragus). This essentially made him, the first actor/ protagonist in Greek Theater. Later, in the development of Greek drama 2nd and 3rd actors were introduced into the play. These actors interacted with one another as well as with the chorus. Thespis’s name is recorded as the 1st to win a prize for Tragedy at Great Dionysia, Athens’ major dramatic competition, at 534 BC. Thespis was the first to establish and introduce an actor on stage, who’d impersonate a character, this is very significant and a wonderful thing as it has had a great impact on how drama has developed throughout the world and till now. . It is believed that Thespis combined in his own person the roles of writer, director, composer, choreographer, and lead actor. As the only one of his players to impersonate individual characters, Thespis would play one part after another in the same story, frequently changing his mask and disguise. Since he was the first to establish an actor, the term thespian, meaning actor, is derived from his name.   INFLUENCE OF THEPSIS ON GREEK THREATRE Thespis revolutionized Greek theater by stepping out of the chorus and becoming the first actor. This innovation allowed for dialogue between characters and the chorus, paving the way for more complex storytelling and character development. Thespis's contributions included introducing masks, developing individual characters, and creating more intricate plots. These changes transformed Greek drama from a choral experience to a character-driven art form, laying the foundation for Western theater traditions. Thespis, an ancient Greek actor, poet, and singer, had a significant impact on Greek theater. He is considered the first actor and his innovations established the foundation for Western theater. Thespis's contributions • Individual actors: Thespis broke away from the chorus and became the first actor to play individual characters. • Dialogue: Thespis's innovations allowed for dialogue between characters and the chorus, which led to more complex storytelling. • Masks: Thespis used masks to distinguish between characters and to help the audience understand their emotions. • Character development: Thespis developed individual characters and created more intricate plots. • Prologue: Thespis is credited with introducing the prologue. Thespis's impact • Thespis's innovations transformed Greek drama from a choral experience to a character-driven art form. • Thespis's innovations influenced how stories were told and perceived in Greek culture. • Thespis's innovations laid the foundation for structured drama. • Thespis's innovations laid the foundation for Western theater traditions. • People who act in plays today are called thespians because of Thespis.   REFERENCES Else, Gerald F. (1972). The Origin and Early Form of Greek Tragedy. 1967. Reprint. New York: W. W. Norton, References to Thespis are sprinkled throughout the 102 pages of text, and chapter 3, pages 51-77, is titled “Thespis: The Creation of Tragôidia.” Especially interesting is a discussion on pages 51-52 of the origin and meaning of the dramatist’s name. Gaster, Theodor H. (1961). Thespis: Ritual, Myth, and Drama in the Ancient Near East. Reprint. New York: Harper & Row, 1966. Here Thespis is used as a metaphor for the beginnings of European literature. Gaster argues that drama everywhere derived from a religious ritual designed to ensure the rebirth of the dead world. Traces the myth through Canaanite, Hittite, and Egyptian sources, concluding with biblical and classical poetry. Gould, John. (2001) Myth, Ritual, Memory, and Exchange: Essays in Greek Literature and Culture. New York: Oxford University Press,. An examination of early Greek drama and literature that looks at the role of ritual and myth. Bibliography and index. McLeish, Kenneth. (2003) A Guide to Greek Theatre and Drama. London: Methuen,. A study of Greek theater, including its development. Sommerstein, Alan H. (2002) Greek Drama and Dramatists. New York: Routledge,. An examination of the world of Greek drama. Thomson, George.( 1972). Aeschylus and Athens: A Study in the Social Origins of Drama. New York: Haskell House, Thomson infers elements of Thespian dramaturgy by reasoning backward from what is known of the plays of Aeschylus.