Expert: Maria - 2/4/2007

Question
During what time of the day would the play be performed in ancient Greece?

Answer
Hello,

As far as we know, tragedies which were viewed as a form of ritual purification ('catharsis', in Greek) were performed in the daytime: the presentation was beginning with the sunrise and lasted till sunset, since tragedies were a tetralogy, i.e. three tragedies  followed by a satyr play, and then they are very long.

As for comedies, they also were reportedly performed  in the daytime, probably till sunset,  but we have no details.

Please note that the Greek comedies and tragedies were part of  a religious celebration and then the audience that attended the presentation paid no  ticket, because this was paid to the producer ('choregos', in ancient Greek) by the State, so that even the poor could participate to the celebration.


Best,
Maria