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Tragedy was a form of theater in ancient Greece.Actually in the beginning the meaning of this word was meant for some songs written from villagers in honor of god Dionysus, which was accompanied by a dance team of 50 men.These men were disguised as satyrs(goats) that were god Dionysus’ company and servants.

Generally , tragedy is a creative representation of reality through imitation that has

the tense of idealization . The imitation is getting fulfilled by rhythmical speech that has harmony and melody.

The viewers are taking part in the play with their sanity and emotions. For this reason they empathize the characters. The purpose of a tragical play is to lead every viewer to redemption using the “magic” of art.

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Ancient Athens

Fifth-century B.C. is formerly known as the Golden Age of Athens or the Age of Pericles. This period was characterized by political hegemony, economic growth and cultural flourishing. One of the most important creations of that time was the Parthenon, a temple on the Athenian Acropolis that was dedicated to the goddess Athena. Its decorative sculptures are considered some of the high points of Greek art, an all-time symbol of Ancient Greece, democracy and Western civilization.

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Antigone

Antigone is an Athenian tragedy written by Sophocles in (or before) 441 BC and first performed at the Festival of Dionysus of the same year.

The story follows the attempts of Antigone to bury the body of her brother Polynices, going against the decision of her uncle Creon, king of Thebes, and placing her love above human laws, as she sacrifices herself for her beloved brother.

In this tragedy, Sophocles deals with issues that reflect the democratic spirit of Athens, in contrast to the absolutist mentality of the tyrants that dominated until the beginning of the 5th century BC.

Antigone is the heroine, who goes against to the male authority and power, not because she wants to highlight her personality, or out of revenge, but because she obeys her consciousness, honors her family and respects the customary law.

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Parodos

The entrance of the dance to the orchestra was through two side passageways, the parodos. From the left lane was the entry of citizens from the port, while from the right lane was the entry of citizens coming from the fields.

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Koilon

This was the main area (with the

stairs) around the orchestra.There were

the seats for the audience.

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Kerkides

Groups of seats in wedge-shaped sections created by the separation of the zones with the stairs.

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Klimakes

(=stairs)

Stepped crossways for spectators to access their seats.

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Diazomata

Horizontal corridors that divide the seats of the spectators into horizontal zones.

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Proedries

Those were seats located in the

first row. There were seating only officials or priests.

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Orchestra

Orchestra was a semicircular square in the center of the theater. That's where the dance took place.

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Thimeli

This was God Dionysous’ altar .It

was located in the center of the orchestra and around

it ,the dance team was standing or dancing.

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Scene

The space addressed to actors/pretenders. At first it was on the same level as the orchestra but then it was elevated.

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