Orthodox Theatre in Byzantium

Orthodox theatre in Byzantium

Minos Orphanides ([email protected])Thu, 21 Nov 1996 21:42:56 +0200

In the 1989 vol. of "Kypriakai Spoudai" I found an interesting article abouttheatre in Byzantine times in Cyprus. Someone had asked about Byzantinetheatre long ago, cannot remember where; if you wish me to xerox it, pleasegive me your snail mail address. If you wish to buy the volume, I can askthe Society of Cypriot Studies if they have any left. The most prominenttheatrical plays of the time in Cyprus were "The sacrifice of Abraham", "Theresurrection of Lazarus" and the "Mourning of the Virgin Mary". The articleis in Greek. BTW, the 20 people waiting for the article on Pat.GennadiosScholarios will have to wait as I am sending it surface mail, lest it costsme $100.

In Christ,

Minos Orphanides

[email protected]

The History of the Theatre, 8/e. Oscar G. Brockett, University of Texas at Austin with Franklin J. Hildy, University of Georgia. Copyright 1999 * 720 pp...Ancient Rome & Byzantium

Monday, Feb. 9 Historical Overview: Brockett, Ch. 3 "Roman & Byzantine Theatre & Drama"

Wednesday, Feb. 11 Documents: Nagler (p.16-36) + Handout of Horace Ars Poetica

Friday, Feb. 13 Activity and Exploration: Rome and Byzantium

List #2 Theatre & Drama of Roman & ByzantiumConcepts, Personages, Events, Structures

From the following list of key concepts, personages, structures, and events, select and prepare brief definitions of 6 items that you feel to be significant for the historical period and culture studied. For each item briefly explain the historical and/or cultural significance of the items and specify why you selected that item to be included on the assignment. Submit in written form (word-processed or by e-mail), orally, or in web-discussion.(Due 5 p.m. Friday on study week unless arrangements otherwise have been made.)

ConceptsRoman tragedy (fabula palliata & fabula togata)

Roman comedy(fabula crepidata & fabula praetexta)farce (fabula Atellanae)mime (fabula riciniata)pantomime(fabula saltica)spectacle & novelty entertainment (chariots, gladiators, venationes, naumachiae)histriones, status of actors, styleRoman costumingByzantine religious drama

DocumentHorace's The Art of Poetry

Events240BC509-27BC & 27BC-c476ADludi Romani

Personages Plautus Seneca Terence Byzantine scholars & Greek drama

Structurestemporary & permanent theatresCircus Maximus & ColosseumHippodromescaena fronscavea, scaena, pulpitum, vomitoria

Enrichments

Playreading:

Seneca Oedipus or PhaedraTerence Self-TormentorPlautus The Menaechmi

Visuals:

I, Claudius (vol. 1) (NWU library)Ben Hur (NWU library)SpartacusWestern Tradition 9-14 (NWU library) (look at two)Western Tradition 15-16 (NWU library) (about Byzantium)

3. Roman and Byzantine Theatre and Drama.

Etruscan Antecedents.The Roman Context.Roman Festivals.Drama Under the Romans.Other Entertainments.Production Arrangements.The Roman Theatre Structure.Other Structures for Entertainments.Scenery.Actors and Acting.Masks and Costumes.Music.The Decline of the Theatre in Rome.Theatre in the Eastern Empire.The Byzantine Theatre.The Rise of Islam. () / I\ / I \ I I I Thymiatiri / I \ I I I I I I oIo I oIo o oIo Io I oI I ` ` ` I I I `` ~ ` ~ I /\ I ~~~ ` ` ` I _/+\_I ~` ~ ` \/______\ ~~ ` I------I ~ ` \____/ +

====================================================You may find Greek hymns at the Church of Cyprus homepage,http://www.logos.cy.net/cyprus/chmain.html , slavonic athttp://www.comet.chv.va.us/seraphim and news of Greece and theEcumenical Patriarchate at http://www.yale.edu/eox/Diaspora====== WEEK #7

Tues., 10/20 Seneca (cont.); Transition to the Middle Ages, Medieval Thought and Symbology; Byzantium. Student papers: Byzantine Theatre and Theatricality; Christian Iconography. ==============================================