c. 448-380 BCE

Lysistrata (411 BCE)

Only comedic Greek playwright (that we know of)

→"Old Comedy"

His life bridges Classic Greek theater to fall of Athens

Greek comedy is an anomaly 

Specific to Greek comedy

A moment when the performers stop & address the audience directly; usually about how great the play is/why they should vote for it; or on the topics of the day; and/or scurrilous critisicm of prominant citizens

Initial phase of ancient Greek comedy (c. 5th centure BC)

Known through works of Aristophanes

Charactarized by exuberant & high-spirited satire of public persons & affairs; include outspoken political criticism

6 pt structure: intro/exposition, parodos (entry of chorus), contest (agon), parabasis, series of farcical scenes, final banquet or wedding

Annual Athenian fesitval w/dramatic competition in January. Audiences usually limited to local citizens. Apx 442 BCE, new comic contests officially included in the Lenaia, though plays may have been performed there earlier on an informal basis. At first, the festival held dramatic competitions only for comedy, but in 432 BCE a tragic contest was introduced.

Utopian, often ridiculous idea that propels the plot of Greek Comedy

I.E. Lysistrata- women have power, are able to stop the war using sex