Costumes:
- Actors wore elaborate costumes that varied based on the character and the play's setting.
- Costumes often reflected the social status and profession of the characters. For example, kings wore purple robes and crowns, while slaves wore simple tunics.
- Masks were an integral part of Greek theater. Actors wore expressive masks that depicted different emotions and characters. These masks were often made from wood, leather, or linen.
- Masks also allowed actors to play multiple roles in the same play.
Props:
- Props were used to create a sense of realism and enhance the storytelling.
- Common props included swords, shields, torches, furniture, and musical instruments.
- Some plays required specialized props, such as chariots or ships, which were often constructed on stage using innovative theatrical techniques.
Scenery:
- Scenery in Greek theater was relatively simple compared to modern standards.
- The stage was typically an open-air venue with a raised platform known as the "skene."
- Painted panels called "periaktoi" were used to represent different locations or settings. These panels could be rotated or changed during the play to create a dynamic visual experience.
- In some theaters, a "mechane," a crane-like device, was used to lower actors onto the stage, creating a sense of awe and wonder.
Overall, the use of costumes, props, and scenery in Greek plays helped bring the stories to life and immerse the audience in the dramatic world of ancient Greece.