Notes on videos watched in class

Exploring multimedia in Katie Mitchels production

- she used props to create the chaos of life.

- added elements to help create an expirience and atmosphere.

- changed angles and views because she got bored of conventional theatre. 

Divising a multimedia production

- narrowed down the biok to a much smaller document

- story board the decisions made for each section

- directirs role is to adjust thr actors idea so they fitted together

Acting in a multimedia production

- creating a film every night on stage

- switching from actung to texhnical where they had to focus cameras and adjust lighting etc

- film and stage acting are combined

INTRODUCTION TO GREEK TRAGEDY

- looks suffering straight in the fade

- universal themes, always relevant

- heroes should be good but also relatable so he does make mistakes, ideas like this were made by Aristotle who studied theatre in greek times

- fixed structure: prologue then chorus. Chorus marks the passing of time, they'll be on the stage for a few minuites but hours would have passed in the story

- similar to soap operas

- cathasis meant clensing process

People would come out of the theatre feeling emotionally drained, it clensed their emotions

BBC: acient greece the greatest show on earth

- 6th century before christ

- the classical workd, revolution of theatre created the idea of performance

- tradgedy offers the audrnce tough decisions

- connected politics/democracy with theatre

- the theaters weren't just used as theatres, they were also used for democratic activities

- they drank wine to get out of themselves and closer to the gods

- they held a drama festival with a procession for the god of theatre. A lot of money was spent on it, and that money was paraded around the stage. Orphans whos parents had died to protect the city, had special seats at the front and the city would now fund and care for them. Once the orphans sat down, the plays would begin

- they had comical characters who were half man half goat, to lighten up the mood because the plays were so tragic 

- theatre was more a reflection on society and teaching moral value

Women in Greek Theatre

How were women viewed in Greek theatre? Why?
Greek plays were performed by men to men and women weren't allowed to participate in any way. Women were accused of being "deformed" and "incomplete men", and for this reason their freedom was extremely restricted. However, women did appear in plays and sometime were the main part, just they were performed by male actors.

Greek theatre portrayed a mix of views towards women. For example in Antigone, a women is the lead role and is presented as strong and independant, and a majority of the audience would agree with what Antigone is doing because she is following what the gods would want and Greece was a very worshiping country. However, a lot of greek storylines show that women are dependant on males and cannot overcome them. A man is always involved, whether it is negatively or positively, and he is the decision maker so most of the time, even if a women is strong, it's his decision that is final. The female characters are usually the ones the audience sympathise for, especially when something goes wrong which is the usual outcome for greek plays.

Cultural Context

what were the performance conventions in Sophocles time?

The idea of greek theatre was to play to the highest members of the audience. This was done through dialogue, set design, lighting and sound. Usually, the performance would be done by not connecting all the dots but having subtle innuendos to allow the audience to create their own opinions and ideas of the story. Greek theatre would also have a lesson involved in order to teach and enlighten the audience. Other conventions included the amount of actors allowed on stage, which was usually 3. This is why the chorus was introduced because they could quickly tell parts of the story whilst the actors went backstage to change costume. Because there was a limited amount of scenery to be used in the plays, Sophocles had to describe to the audience what the scenery would be like.

What were the trends or fashions within the performing arts?

When greek theatre was first introduced, the cast had very minimalist costumes and the natural landscapes of greece were often used as the scenery. They then began to use more props and a skene was created as a changing room for the actors, an exit and entrance, and also to store props. There were also technical developments. For example, the Deus Ex Machine, god out of the machine) was a crane that was used to lower and lift actors on and off the stage.

Costume was a very important factor of greek theatre productions, because they could determine the characters gender or social status. For example, rich characters would wear expensive clothes and poor characters would wear rags. Actors who played tragic roles wore boots called buskins that elevated them above the other actors. This would help to show their status compared to other characters as they would be physically above them. When playing female roles, the male actor would put on a wooden structure called prsdernedas in front of the chest to imitate boobs. Masks were used to worship Dionysus, god of theatre, and were meant to let actors 'vanish' into their role. Masks helped one actor play multiple roles as he would not be recognised when wearing different masks, this was useful because usually only three actors took part in one play. These masks had very over exaggerated expressions so the audience could see them from long distances.

Other costumes included:

chiton (robe or tunic)

chlaina (overgarment)

chlamys (short cloak)

kothurnus (short lace-up boots)

himation (overgarment)

peplos (cloak)

Social Context

What do we mean by social context?
social context refers to the social setting in which people live or something is set. It also includes culture and the people and institutions that people interact with.

How did people live in the time Antigone was created?
Athens was very male dominated, for example only upper-class men could have formal education. Women had few political rights and were expected to remain at home and care for the children. One quarter of the population were slaves, usually captured prisoners. These slaves were used for heavy labour such as working in shipyards, quarries, mines and also as domestic servants. Most homes were windowless and furniture was rare as people spent the majority of day outside. Their diet was also quite simple, largely based on wine and bread. Meat was reserved for special occasions such as religious holidays.

Who was the target audience for the piece?
The target audience was men, as they were the only people that were allowed to view theatre. They would have enjoyed the plays because most greek theatres were based on greek life, so a lot of the audience could relate to the issues even if they were being over exaggerated. Also, in the plays men were usually portrayed as dominant which would have appealed to the men watching.

What were the needs, values and beliefs of the target audience?
Men strongly believed that women had no place part from at home and their role was to care for the children. They didn't think they had any right to socialise or express their opinions. Greeks in general were very religious and the gods were incredibly important to them. They also treated entertainment as a luxury and enjoyed it as part of their lifestyle.

How did this influence the themes and characters of Antigone?
At that time men were very dominant, but in the play the main character is a girl. It presents the idea of equality between the sexes, and how Antigone, as a women, had more moral values and family loyalty then creon, who is a man. This would have shocked the audience, being only men, to think that they agree and sympathies with the female character. Antigone as a play would have got a lot of people thinking.

What have you found out about the social context of Antigone? 
from the research I had done, i have found out that the events and people going on in real life influenced and inspired Sophocles to write Antigone. I also know the type of people who watched the plays, and the target audience. This research has helped understand Greek theatre and also given me more knowledge on Antigone and why it was written.

Who went to the theatre?
only men went to the theatre. Women weren't allowed to attend but had their own separate festivals. People in the front row were those of a higher status whereas people at the back were of a middle class.

What was the relationship between theatre, politics and religion?
Theatre often addressed politics and religion, some writers used their plays to express their views on the economy in that era. Antigone, for example, addresses religion and hierarchy. Antigone is listening to the gods and believes that they would want her brothers should be treated equally when they're dead.

Current Events

What was happening when antigone was created?

Antigone was written in a time of national fervour, which meant they had strong beliefs which they stuck by. Philosophy was becoming increasingly popular and there was rise of tension between Athens and Sparta which eventually lead to the Peloponnesian War. This shakes the athenian democracy as their loss of the war encouraged men like Socrates and Plato, to abandon the democracy.

Was its creation influenced by any specific events?

I couldn't find one particular event that influenced the play, however when the play was being written, the teaching of the sophists was becoming more rare. Sophists were people who were godless and concerned with rationality, this is represented by Creon in the play, who puts his power and reputation before his own family. Antigone represents the traditional values of compassion and moral value.

Exploring the Text

ANTIGONE AND ISMENE

what did we focus on when exploring the text?
For the first seen we looked at the relationship between Ismene and Antigone, and how they differ. Antigone follows her heart, and will do anything for her family even if it means breaking the law, whereas Ismene is more cautious and frightened of going against what the king has said.

how did you explore the characters practically?
When given the scene, i was able to explore antigone vocally and physically. How she may stand and portray herself to other people, also her tone of voice and if that would change depending on who she was speaking to. I decided she was very strong willed and proud, it was interesting to see other peoples interpretations of the scene.

what did you discover about the relationship between the sisters?
It was interesting to explore the relationship between the sisters because at first they seem very different as they want different things and have different values, however when you analyse the relationship more in some ways they are similar. They are both stubborn and quite proud, as neither of them can persuade each other that their decision is the best one.

how did this scene link to some of the information you discovered in the session about historical context?
It linked to what we had previously learnt because in Greece, people had many different opinions on what is right and wrong, this is shown through Antigone and Ismene's relationship as they have different views and values. It also shows that peoples beliefs in the what is right can drive the to go against the law.

ANTIGONE AND CREON

what did we focus on when exploring the scene?
we focused on how Creon put reputation and status before his own family. We explored the fact that he ignored his relationship with Antigone and also wouldn't listen to anything he had to say, I came to realise he was a very arrogant character who only listened to himself and always thought he knew best. He also has no sympathy for Antigone even though she has lost both her brothers

how did you explore the characters practically?
Playing Antigone, I explored the confusion she would feel as she is being threatened with death by her own family. Also the anger she would feel as she is not being listened to by Creon. She knows what she did was right, and it's frustrating for her that Creon won't even listen or allow her to try and justify her actions. I think in this seen you have to balance her angry pleading Creon to listen but also her pride that she will not give into him and will stand by her actions.

what did you discover about the relationship between the characters?
Creon and Antigone have very conflicting values and beliefs which causes them to disagree. Antigone feels that Creon should take her seriously but he looks down on her disrespectfully when she breaks the law. Not only does Antigone feel like she had a good reason to go against Creon, but she feels like he doesn't take her seriously enough to understand where she is coming from.

how did this scene link to some of the information you discovered in the session about the historical context?
in the session about historical context we leant how in Ancient Greece, men were seen as superior and had more respect than women. The scene we did supported this idea because Creon looked down on Antigone not only because of what she had done, but because she was a women, he thought she wasn't worth his time

Multimedia

I went to see a play called The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime. A play about an autistic boy who tries to find the murderer of his next door neighbours dog. Multimedia is heavily incorporated, they use lights, sounds, animation and also text. I think what is amazing about this play, is that it's the use of multimedia which allows you to have an insight of what its like to be autistic, and really get into the mind set of him. For example, at one point in the play he is taking the tube for the first time. Across the walls of the stage are advertisement posters, tube station names and warning signs all flashing and moving across the wall in a chaotic form. On top of that are the tube announcements and voices of people talking. For us, we are able to ignore all these and carry on with our journey but for him, every sound and sign stands out and because there's so much of it, it becomes crowded and confusing. When watching it, it started to make me feel claustrophobic because there was so much going on it felt like there wasn't any time to think. I think that shows how effective multimedia is, because I started to feel how the character was feeling, therefore gained a more in-depth understanding of him, then I would if there hadn't been the use of sound and the screen.

Greek Theatre Research

1. When were ancient Greek plays performed? 

Greek plays were performed only during religious festivals. They took place in a public space, usually a half circle shaped outdoor theatre.

2. How many years ago was this?

2350 years ago - 50th century 

3. What different types of plays were performed?

there were three different types: comedy, satyr plats and tragedy 

4. What is a traditional Greek Theatre called?

Theatron

5. What shape was the theatre?

The theatres were large, open air structures constructed. They consisted of three main elements: the orchestra, the skene and the audience. The skene was a building behind the orchestra and was where the actors would change costume.

6. Find a picture of a traditional Greek Theatre for your blog.

7. Why were the theatres built this way?

They were built this way because the shape allowed sound to be transmitted well and the audience could see from any angle.

8. What different scenic elements are there?

mechane, a crane that gave the impression of a flying actor 

ekkyklêma, a wheeled platform often used to bring dead characters into view for the audience

trap doors, or similar openings in the ground to lift people onto the stage

Pinakes, pictures hung to create scenery

Thyromata, more complex pictures built into the second-level scene 

Phallic props were used for satyr plays, symbolizing fertility in honour of Dionysus.

9. Who sat on the seats at the front?

The front seats were reserved for the priests, especially the seat of honour which was reserved for the high priest of Dionysos

10. Could women take part in, or attend the plays?

Women couldn't take part in the play but could watch them

11. Name some of the Greek playwrights and their plays.

Aeschylus - born 525 BC

Plays: The Pecans 472 BC

          The Seven against Thebes 467 BC

Euripides - born 480 BC

Plays: Rhesus 450 BC

          Alcestis 483 BC

Aristophes - born 452 BC

Plays: The acharnians

          The knights

12. What did the audience throw at the actors who performed badly?

If the actors performed badly, the audience would throw rotten vegetables at them. However, if they were good they might throw money. They stomped their feet to applaud instead of using their hands to clap.

13. What did the actors wear?

Some costumes were made with specific occupations in mind, such as a priest or senator, while others were made to reinforce the grand gestures actors would have to make on stage, such as light, flowing robes to be worn by female characters. Because plays were never performed with more than three actors in ancient Greek plays, wardrobe changes helped identify the characters in the story. The actors also wore masks and boots.

14. How did the audience sat at the back of the large theatre hear anything?

The shape of the amphitheatre allowed sound to travel directly to every area of the audience and there was a stone wall at the back of the theatre allowing an echo to bounce back and the people at the back can hear.

15. Who is Dionysus? 

Dionysus had a strange birth that evokes the difficulty in fitting him into the Olympian pantheon. His mother was a mortal woman, Semele, and his father was Zeus, the king of the gods. Zeus' wife, Hera, discovered the affair while Semele was pregnant.

16. Why is he important to Greek Theatre?

He supplied fun to the characters, allowing that balance between staying grounded and having fun or being happy.

17. What is a Greek chorus? 
The chorus of greek plays were made up of twelve people who dance, sing and act in unison.

18.  What purpose to the Chorus have in the performance? 
They used the chorus as the lighting, sound and setting. the chorus helped to shape the piece for the audience. 

19. How and why were masks used?
They enabled an actor to appear and reappear as several different characters without the audience identifying them as one specific character. Their variations help the audience to distinguish sex, age, and social status, in addition to revealing a change in a particular character’s appearance, ie. Oedipus after blinding himself. 

20. What were the masks made of? 
Usually masks were made of either wood, linen or leather.


TASK 3

Multi media performances are where plays on't just include actors but also incorporate technology into the piece. Such as film, photography and different styles of acting. For example, whilst someone is performing, there could be a film playing in the background; or different photographs pop up of the actors.

A show i saw which used multi media was called Girls Like That. Before the actors got on stage they projected images onto the stage floor. These were different social media apps such as twitter, whatsapp and instagram. The notifications on these apps kept going up aswell. It enhanced the performance because it showed how glued we are to the screen. They also had a collage in the background. It was small images of peoples selfies which were stuck together to create the image of one girl. This was very effective because it showed how loads of different people on social media can have an effect, whether aware or not, on someones life. Also, if they were sending a text, you would be able to see it on the floor as it was being projected. Not only did it help us read and understand what she was saying, but it reinforced the fact that our lives were centered around phones. Also that people are completely different in real life to how they are on social media. 

TASK 4

what do you think of the story?

I quite like the story, i think it shows good values however i do think there was a lot of death. Because of this it can come across almost comedic just because everyone dies but i do like how it shows that family should be put first. 

why do you think sophocles wrote this play?

I think he wrote this story to show how you should always put your family first. Although the king is new and doesnt want to give himself a bad reputation to the public by bending the rules for his family, he needed to remember that his family is more important than his reputation. The story shows how if you dont care for one person, it can have a fatal effect on other peoples lives. 

why do you think the greek audience might have wanted to see this play?

Greek plays all displayed morals and because this plays moral was shown strongly throughout, it would have attracted greek audiences.

What information does Antigone give to Ismene at the beginning of this scene?
Antigone tells Ismene that Creon has decided to honour one of their brothers, and leave the other unburied. Even though they both died in battle, because Polynicies had fought against his own people, he was not to get buried. She also inform him that anyone who tries to bury Polynicies will be killed.

What has just happened in the sisters' family?
Oedipus left Thebes when he found out he killed his father and married his own mother. When he left, he put his two sons on the throne. Every year they were to swap role so that both could be king, however one year, Etocles refused to give up his thrown when it was Polynicies turn to be king. For this reason, Polynicies put together an army and attacked Thebes. Both brothers were killed in battle.

What does Antigone plan to do? why?
Antigone wants to bury Polynicies because she feels both brothers should be equally treated. She believes that leaving the dead unburied offends the Gods and it is her duty to do what is right.

Does Ismene plan to join her? why or why not?
Iceman does not join her in fear of being killed by Creon as they would have gone against him. She knows what Antigone is doing is right but she doesn't believe it is worth the risk.

What story does the chorus tell us about?
The chorus tells us the story of the battle where The Argive army ordered an attack on Thebes during the night.