The battle of the Greek tragedies - Melanie Sirof
676,314 Views
35,603 Questions Answered
TEDEd Animation
Let’s Begin…
The world of modern theater owes its roots to the tragedians of Ancient Greece. As far back as the 5th Century BCE, actors and playwrights were entertaining the masses with intriguing stories. Melanie Sirof unveils the ancient theatrical innovations that made the way for Broadway.
Additional Resources for you to Explore
The architecture of Ancient Greece was both unique and impressive. Khan Academy provides a lesson on Greek Architecture. Visit this link and take a look! The Theatres of Ancient Greece were marvels of acoustic architecture. Read here about the different sections of a typical theater. See any similarities between ancient Greek theaters and our theaters today? Visit and view some pictures of surviving (and restored) theatres like the one approximated in the video. Start with these three: the Epidaurus Theatre, the Theatre of Dionysus in Athens, and the Theatre at Aegeria. How are they the same, how are they different?
Sophocles was a playwright born in 496 BCE. Take some time and read more about his life and writings. Here is a link to some famous quotes by Sophocles! Oedipus Rex, the play depicted in this lesson is arguably Sophocles’ most famous play. It is read in high schools and universities worldwide either on its own or as part of the Oedipus Trilogy that includes Oedipus at Colonus, and Antigone. Read the full text of Oedipus Rex here. Want to read more of Sophocles’ literature? Visit this link and browse the selections and find another text that might interest you.
The Tragedies were an important part of the Greek theatrical tradition, but they were not the only types of Greek Drama. Can you name the different types of Greek Drama? If not, take a look at this site and learn.
For more on Ancient Greece, watch the TED-Ed lesson: Music and creativity in Ancient Greece by Tim Hansen.
Sophocles was a playwright born in 496 BCE. Take some time and read more about his life and writings. Here is a link to some famous quotes by Sophocles! Oedipus Rex, the play depicted in this lesson is arguably Sophocles’ most famous play. It is read in high schools and universities worldwide either on its own or as part of the Oedipus Trilogy that includes Oedipus at Colonus, and Antigone. Read the full text of Oedipus Rex here. Want to read more of Sophocles’ literature? Visit this link and browse the selections and find another text that might interest you.
The Tragedies were an important part of the Greek theatrical tradition, but they were not the only types of Greek Drama. Can you name the different types of Greek Drama? If not, take a look at this site and learn.
For more on Ancient Greece, watch the TED-Ed lesson: Music and creativity in Ancient Greece by Tim Hansen.
About TED-Ed Animations
TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »
Meet The Creators
- Educator Melanie Sirof
- Director Andrew Foerster
- Sound Designer Devin Polaski
- Narrator Addison Anderson, George Zaidan
