Explain how the origins of theatre in Athens are tied to both religion and politics. Check out this resource.
The origins of theatre in Athens are tied to both religion and politics. The plays were tragedies. The tragedies stressed the vulnerability of the characters. It also showed actions that were both human and divine. The theatres and the plays themselves were dedicated to the various gods and goddesses. One of the theatres was called the Theatre of Dionysus, which was dedicated to the god of wine, Dionysus. The plays were also done during a festival. The festival was a very religious ceremony. The plays in the festival were not used as business enterprises, but were funded by the Athenian people for the religious purposes. The actors also portrayed gods or goddess. The “deus ex machine” means the god from the machine. The machine was used to help actors fly to show the god or goddess more clearly. The statement also describes the look of the god or goddess. It also had to do with the character resolving his or her problem. The last meaning was used to describe when the dramatists brought the god or goddess at the end of the play to resolve the problems. There were also sacrificed during and for the play. The sacrifices were usually oxen for the gods or goddess. Some of the stories such as Phrixos, “sacrifice” a ram with a golden fleece. The actors were paid by the state. Women were also not allowed to participate in the tragedies. The men wore masks that hid their faces, so the audience would not know the difference.
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