From ritual to dramatic the actor's body in Ancient Greece

This thesis named "From Ritual To Dramatic: The Actor's Body In Ancient Greece" contextualizes the performance and acting styles of the plays that had been staged mostly in the festivals held in Attica region of Ancient Greece, during the second half of VIth century and Vth century BCE when the first examples of this kind took place; by also taking into consideration the conditions of the era. As there are not many sources on Ancient Greek theatre practice; a detailed study has been done on all the elements of performance and the factors that had affected these elements. Political and social background that had impacted the birth of dramatic kind, the perception of religion and body in Ancient Greece, thoughts of philosophers on theatre, Ancient Greek dances and other performative types that had an importance in that culture; have been examined. Besides it has been dwelt on the notions that create the characteristics of this kind: text, architecture, audience, costumes, mask, usage of voice etc., thus this has given an idea about Ancient Greek dramatic performace and acting styles. The focus of this study is limited with "tragedy" and it has been reached an outcome of a vivid performance which puts movement at the core; rather than the idea of "a solemn kind executed by actors with restricted movement abilities". To have an idea on actor's body usage, detailed text-readings and examinations on Ancient Greek vases, ritualistic elements and dance moves that had been also used on stage; have been done. Yet, the usage of this performance and acting style in contemporary plays is another question. The performance needs to have a meaning for the audience. But as a result of social and cultural conditions that have been changed; what the Ancient Greek performance would mean to today's audience is disputable. This study defends the idea that; it will not be very significant to prefer staging with the methodolgy that had been used during the transition period from ritual to dramatic; and if used, the contemporary plays would not be more than adaptations.