Greek Theater Discussion Questions (with Answers)

Characteristics of Greek Theater

1. Identify two things the Greeks gave to theater.

2. Who was Dionysus?

3. Identify and explain the parts of the Greek theater

4. What is the function of the chorus?

5. What was the function of a mask in Greek theater?

6. Describe the scenery used in Greek theater.

7. How is Greek theater different from modern theater?

8. Why do you think so many people attended the theater on festival days?

9. Identify two things the Greeks gave to theater. [event/festival and performance
area/stage]

10. Who was Dionysus? [Greek god of wine]

11. Identify and explain the parts of the Greek theater. [Theatron, skene, orchestra.

12. What is the function of the chorus? [They comment on the action and fill the audience
in on what is not seen.]

13. What was the function of a mask in Greek theater? [It was used instead of makeup.]

14. Describe the scenery used in Greek theater. [It was simple. There were no scenery
changes; instead, these changes were accomplished through a messenger.]

15. How is Greek theater different from modern theater? [In Greek plays, the audience
members had to use their minds and think about what they saw; they had to use their
imaginations to create the setting and events talked about, but not seen. In modern
theater, generally, the viewer doesn’t have to use imagination to supply the setting
and other aspects of the play because elements of production—lights, scenery,
costumes, etc.—tend to be employed.]

16. Why do you think so many people attended the theater on festival days? [It was their
only form of entertainment.]