The Athenians celebrated many religious festivals. One of
the most important was the Great Panathenaea, [15] held every fourth year in
the month of July. Athletic contests and poetical recitations, sacrifices,
feasts, and processions honored the goddess Athena, who presided over the
Athenian city. Even more interesting, perhaps, were the dramatic performances
held in midwinter and in spring, at the festivals of Dionysus. The tragedies
and comedies composed for these entertainments took their place among the
masterpieces of Greek literature.
[15] Panathenaic means 'belonging to all the Athenians.'
FEATURES OF A GREEK PLAY
There is very little likeness between the ancient and the
modern drama. Greek plays were performed out of doors in the bright sunlight.
Until late Roman times it is unlikely that a raised stage existed. The three
actors and the members of the chorus appeared together in the dancing ring, or
orchestra. The performers were all men. Each actor might play several parts.
There was no elaborate scenery; the spectator had to rely chiefly on his own
imagination for the setting of the piece. The actors indulged in few lively
movements or gestures. They must have looked from a distance like a group of
majestic statues. All wore elaborate costumes, and tragic actors, in addition,
were made to appear larger than human with masks, padding, and thick-soled
boots, or buskins. The performances occupied the three days of the Dionysiac
festivals, beginning early in the morning and lasting till night. All this time
was necessary because they formed contests for a prize which the people awarded
to the poet and chorus whose presentation was judged of highest excellence.
