Greek Theatre

Dithyrambic Chorus

625 BCE

Dithyrambic Chorus is a choral hymn tribute to Dionysus. Aristotle claimed that the Dithyrambic Chorus are what inspired ancient Greek tragedies. This first took place in 625 BC, and was organized by Arion of Corinth. By the end of the fifth century BC, there were dithyramb competitions among representatives from multiple tribes. Important Dithyrambic poets include Simonides, Pindar, and Bacchylides.

Thespis

580 BCE

Born around 580 BC. Thespis was a travelling bard and a Dionysian priest that is credited as being the first actor. Thespis is the first to introduce masks in his performances, which is something that became a staple in ancient Greek theatre. He would also speak to the chorus in his performances in order to emphasize his role in the production. Deceased around 520 BC.

Tragedy

532 BCE

Greek Tragedy is said to have been created in Athens in 532 BC with Thespis being the first recorded actor with a troupe of travelling Dionysian bards. A theatre festival called Dionysia was formed around 532 BC and comprised of a competition between several actors that pioneered the Greek drama. This festival was meant to bring unity to all of the tribes of Athens through the theatre competition.

Aeschylus

524 BCE

Born in Gela, Sicily around 524 BC. Aeschylus is often described as one of the first innovators of the tragedy genre. Aeschylus was a war veteran, having grown up in a turbulent era where autocracy had given way to a democracy. He competed in the festival of Dionysus competition for the first time in 499 BC and capturing his first award in 484 BC for his works of the tragedy genre. His most well known work is "Persians", which was inspired by his time in war. Deceased around 455 BC.

Satyric (Satirical) Drama

499 BCE

First introduced around 499 BC. This is meant as a comedy tool to make fun of or parody tragedies. The nomenclature comes from the satyrs, which are Greek nature spirits, who are portrayed as rambunctious party goers. They keep the characters and story of the tragedy but they add in humor and a more happy portrayal, often making fun of those in the tragedy that it is parodying. These were often incorporated in between acts in a tragedy in order to ease tension in the crowd.

Sophocles

497 BCE

Born in Colonus, just outside of Athens around 497 BC. Sophocles was from a wealthy clan and was well educated and popular in his community. Known for being the creator of Oedipus the King or Oedipus Rex, which is widely regarded as being his most famous piece of work. In 440 BC, he was elected to a officer's position in the Greek military. He was a financial advisor for Athens after their defeat at Syracuse in 413 BC. Deceased around 406 BC.

Euripides

480 BCE

Born on Salamis Island around 480 BC. Euripides is best know for showing the dark side of humanity in his tragedies and bringing legendary Greek myths to the stage. He is also known for weaving in social commentary of the affairs of Greece during his era in his plays. Only 19 of his original 90 plays have survived. He entered his first Dionysian festival in 455 BC and scored his first of four awards in 441 BC. Deceased around 406 BC.

Persians

472 BCE

Aeschylus' first surviving Tragedy and the first surviving complete tragedy in general. First performed in 472 BC. It is a portrayal of events in the recent war between the Greeks and the Persians. The Battle of Salamis is portrayed most prominently in this play. This was unique during this era due to this play portraying a important recent event instead of being a portrayal of a Greek myth or a reiteration of a much older tale.

Aristophanes

450 BCE

Aristophanes was born in Athens around 450 BC. Credited with being the creator of Greek comedy. He began his career in 427 BC. His first work was "The Daitalies" or "The Banqueters". His work consists a lot of social commentary and current events of the era. He was embroiled in a rivalry with his contemporary, Euripides, throughout his career and had made works that ridiculed Euripides. He is credited with at least forty plays overall, though only eleven survive. Deceased around 388 BC.

Comedy

425 BCE

Aristophanes' "Archarnians" was the first complete Greek comedy.
"Archarnians" is first preformed in 425 BC. Any event or public figure was fair game in these Greek comedies. Society as a whole was often the subject of ridicule in these productions. Greek mythology and contemporary religion of the era were even susceptible to this. Mask were introduced to provide another element to use in the portrayal of the character on stage, usually for humor.