1. Chorus:
- The chorus was a group of actors who provided commentary and reactions throughout the play.
- They sang, danced, and sometimes interacted with the main characters.
- The chorus often expressed the communal voice and emotions of the community within the play's context.
2. Masks:
- Actors in Greek theatre used masks to portray different characters and emotions.
- Masks conveyed the character's identity, gender, social status, and emotional states.
- They allowed for quick character changes and enhanced visual representation.
3. Costumes:
- Costumes were integral in establishing characters' identities and their social status.
- Elaborate costumes added visual spectacle to the performances.
- The use of color, fabric, and ornamentation helped distinguish between characters.
4. Mimetic Dance:
- Greek actors incorporated stylized dance movements to express emotions, convey narratives, and enhance dramatic situations.
- Mimetic dance provided a physical interpretation of the text, reinforcing the emotional content.
5. Music:
- Music was a vital element, often providing emotional ambiance and context.
- Instruments like the lyre, flute, and aulos were used for accompaniment, mood-setting, and intensifying dramatic moments.
6. Storytelling and Structure:
- Greek theatre followed a structured narrative typically divided into three parts: protasis (introduction), epitasis (rising conflict), and catastasis (conclusion).
- Plays explored themes such as fate, justice, divine retribution, and human nature.
7. Deus Ex Machina:
- The use of a "god from the machine" (deus ex machina) became a convention to resolve conflicts or introduce divine interventions.
- A crane-like device lowered an actor representing a deity onto the stage, symbolizing the divine element resolving complex situations.
8. Scenic Elements:
- Greek theatre often employed minimal scenery.
- The skene, a building at the back of the stage, served as the backdrop for performances and provided entrances and exits.
- There were also ekkyklema (a rolling platform revealing indoor scenes) and periaktoi (revolving prisms changing the background).
9. Character Types:
- Greek theatre featured various stock character types, such as the hero, villain, wise elder, confidante, and young lovers.
- These archetypal characters catered to the expectations of the audience and simplified storytelling.
10. Role of the Audience:
- Greek theatre catered to large audiences at outdoor amphitheaters, such as the renowned Theatre of Dionysus in Athens.
- Audience reaction and participation were crucial. The Greek word "theatron" signifies a place for viewing, reflecting the essential role of the audience in ancient theatre.
These techniques and conventions contributed to the dynamic and powerful theatrical experiences of ancient Greece, making Greek theatre a foundational influence on Western theatre and dramatic traditions.