Women in Greek theatre

How were women viewed in Greek theatre? And why?

In Greek theatre women were perceived to be lower status than men, they weren't allowed to voice their opinions so this was clearly stated in plays such as Antigone, since the playwright made sure, the male protagonist attempted to assert his dominants against the female protagonists. Females were not allowed to attend plays and if they were, they would be forced to sit at the back of the theatre. This could make a modern person view this attitude as a way men would be able to show they were aware of the difference in status, without being direct to women.

Cultural Context

What were the performance conventions in Sophocles time?

The theatre was mainly made to preform for high classed men this was done by dialogue, set design and sound. Usually at the end of the performance the audience is supposed to make their opinion and idea about what they think the play is about, they did this because different people would have learnt different things from it. 

What were the trends or fashions within the performing arts?

Costumes were important as only men could preform they had to make it obvious to see the difference between if it was a male or a female. If it was a tragic performance they wore boots that elevated them above the other actors. But when it came to female roles they put a wooden structure in front of the chests to pretend they were breasts.

Social Context of Antigone

What do you mean by social context?

The social environment: settings where people live or where something is set. It also includes people's culture 

How did people live in the time Antigone was created?

It was a very male dominating area, women had no part in politics and were looked upon as a housewife who stayed at home and looks after the children and only upper-class men could get education. There were a lot of slaves at the time who were used for the hard-working jobs or even made into servants. They lived in houses with no windows and furniture was not as much. They normally ate bread and wine and ate meat only on  special occasions .

Who was the target audience for the piece? 

Target audience were mainly men as they were the only ones who could go and watch plays at the theatre 

How did this influence the themes and characters of Antigone?

As only men were allowed to watch it, it was new to see a girl as a main character - Antigone.  This action showed equality between men and women and how women are not just capable of being housewives. 

Who went to the theatre?

Only men, the higher classed sat in the front while the rest sat at the back. 

What was the relationship between theatre, politics and religion?

 They were all used somehow to be mentioned in any plays for example Antigone wants to listen to the gods and politics comes in because of equality involved with her brothers 

Current Events

What was happening when Antigone was created?

Antigone was written in a time of intense emotion, Philosophy was becoming increasingly well known and because of this a war broke out between Athens and Sparta - Peloponnesian War. 

Was its creation influenced by any specific events?

I wasn't able to find any information about this but there was a play going on which had a character like Creon, who put all his power before his family meanwhile Antigone showed compassion and kindnesss.