The language of drama is meant to be heard. Pick a play such as "Oedipus Rex," "Seven Against Thebes" or "Antigone" to read out loud, assigning each character to a different student. The choral portions can be read by the class as a whole. Ensure that every student has a chance to read by changing readers every few minutes. Pause for discussion of the characters, plot, themes, relevance and relationship to contemporary drama.
The Greek playwrights took their stories from mythology. Have students prepare a presentation exploring the history and origin of the myths related to one of the Greek tragedies such as "Agamemnon" or "Prometheus Bound." Ask them to consider the differences and similarities between the original myth and the play. What elements did the playwright emphasize? How did different writers treat the same subject? How would knowing the story before seeing the play affect the audience's reaction to the play?
Lead the class in a discussion of Greek theater's origin and purpose. Greek theater developed from the worship of Dionysus, god of wine and revelry. How would that influence its purpose? What is tragedy? The word "tragedy" comes from the Greek "tragoida," meaning "goat song," the song that accompanied sacrifices to the gods. How is that related to drama? Explore the concept of catharsis. How do contemporary people experience catharsis? What was the chorus? What role did they play? Are there similar devices in contemporary drama?
Masks played a vital role in Greek theater. Divide the class into groups, assign each group a character in a play and have them research, design and build a mask for the character from simple materials such as papier-mâché, cardboard or modeling clay. Ask them to consider different influences on the mask's design, such as the play's genre, the character's status and the character's emotions. How would the mask affect the actor's performance? Would it be realistic and grounded or heightened and exaggerated?
Divide the class into groups and have them rehearse and perform major scenes from the play. Have the actors experiment with different styles of performance. Ask them to consider what impact this would have on the presentation of the play. Discuss how seeing the play performed enhances understanding of its plot and themes. How is the acting in a Greek play similar to acting in contemporary plays or movies? How is it different?
Assign an essay exploring the relationship between Greek theater and contemporary drama. Have your students think about their favorite movies and TV shows and consider how they incorporate elements of tragedy and comedy. Do contemporary stories contain tragedy? Which ones? Some examples might include the "Star Wars" films, "Battlestar Galactica," "The Lord of the Rings," "Sin City" and "Batman." What do the Greek comedies and contemporary comedies have in common?