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Greek Theater & Sophocles: Greek Theater (General)

Databases: General Information

Greek Drama Overview (ABC-CLIO): http://ancienthistory.abc-clio.com/Search/Display/586554?terms=greek+theater

This is a great place for you to learn more about the history of Greek theater, including how it's related to Dionysus festivals and the different parts of the city that were important. You can also find information about Sophocles, and the difference between comedy and tragedy. 

From Ritual to Theater (57 minutes)

Greek Drama: From Ritual to Theater (57:00), streamed from Classroom Video on Demand

Why do plays well over two millennia old still speak to audiences today? This program traces Greek theater from ancient harvest rites to the golden age of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, and Aristophanes. Key scenes from AntigoneOedipus TyrannusMedea, and Lysistrata show how these works remain relevant by exploring the timeless themes of honor, class, gender, sexuality, and politics. Essential concepts such as catharsis, hamartia, and the use of masks and a chorus are discussed. Scholarly commentary by Helene Foley of Barnard College, Jeffrey Henderson of Boston University, Princeton University’s Robert Fagles, and Peter Meineck of NYU’s Aquila Theatre Company emphasizes the vitality of classical drama and the essential role it played in the everyday lives of the ancient Greeks. A Films for the Humanities & Sciences Production. (57 minutes) Item Number: 11790 ©  2001

"Greek Drama: From Ritual to Theater." Classroom Video On Demand. Films Media Group, 2001. Web. 17 Sept. 2013. <http://streaming.factsonfile.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?aid=16093&xtid=11790>.

Special topics: Dionysus (Segments 1-3), Women (Segments 5, 14, & 16), Greek Chorus (Segment 6), Catharsis and Hamartia (Segment 9), Costumes and Masks (Segment 10).