Two forms of Greek drama, comedy and tragedy, came to dominate the Dionysian theater, although the other dramatic forms, the dithyramb (or hymn to Dionysus) and satyr play, never died. In Athens two festivals were devoted each year to comedy and tragedy. The City Dionysia festival, in March-April, centered on tragedy. The Lenaea festival, named for the Greek month (January-February) traditionally reserved for celebrating weddings, was devoted chiefly to comedies. The playwrights submitted their work to an official known as the Ar-chon. If the Archon approved he "gave a chorus" to the poet—i. e., assured him that his work would be performed. Competition was fierce and even famous writers were, on occasion, "refused a chorus." The successful dramatist was assigned to a choregus (a rich citizen to pay the costs). The choregus then chose a flute player and a chorus and proceeded with the staging. If the choregus was openhanded, a lavish production emerged. At each festival a jury of citizens judged the plays, and the winners were awarded the Dionysiac wreath of ivy.
IN ROWDY FUN fuio tattered drunks (left), wearing grotesque costumes and masks, hold each other up. Marked by an earthy humor, comedies were often trenchant pieces of social criticism.
IN SOLEMN THOUGHT Melpomene, Muse of tragedy, contemplates a theatrical mask. This terra-cotta figurine was found at Tanagra, near Athens, which was the center of the best of Creek drama.
THE SPIRIT OF GREEK DRAMA, representing not a scene from any one play but a mood that expresses them all, is re-created in Athens by its National Theatre group and Greek Army soldiers.
World History
