ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -The actors in Greek theatre were semi-professionals. They were paid for their performances, but acting was not their full time occupation. There were no actresses on the Greek stage. All the female roles were played by men.

Detailed explanation-2: -Women were not allowed to be on the stage because it was considered “dangerous.” Men played male characters as well as female characters! “The Greeks believed that allowing women to perform publicly would be too dangerous and that having men portray them neutralized the danger.” (Source) So what about the Romans?

Detailed explanation-3: -Besides the chorus, no more than three actors were allowed on stage at any time. This meant that Greek actors often had to play more than one part. To suggest different characters actors wore masks and costumes that they changed over the course of the play.

Detailed explanation-4: -Men performed the tragedies. Actors played the named roles and twelve or fifteen men sang and danced the part of the chorus; all wore costumes and masks, which covered their whole faces and head. The playwright was also probably the first and, at first, the only actor, in dialogue with his chorus.