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SHS CREATIVE WRITING MODULE
Quarter 2 – Module 9.1: People Clap When Gods Cry and
Laugh; The Parts of Greek Stage
Identifying the Parts of Greek Stage

Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: “No copyright shall subsist in
any work of the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the
government agency or office wherein the work is created shall be necessary
for exploitation of such work for profit. Such agency or office may, among
other things, impose as a condition the payment of royalties.”

Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand

names, trademarks, etc.) included in this book are owned by their respective
copyright holders. Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission
to use these materials from their respective copyright owners. The publisher
and authors do not represent nor claim ownership over them.

Regional Director: GILBERT T. SADSAD

Assistant Regional Director: JESSIE L. AMIN

Development Team of the Module

Author: CARLENN P. MERIN

Editor: JOE-BREN L. CONSUELO
Reviewers: JOE-BREN L. CONSUELO and SDO CAMARINES NORTE
(headed by EMMA V. DASCO)
Illustrator: JOHN LEONARD P. CUIZON
KENNETH OCAMPO
Layout Artist: CRIZ T. NUYLES, ANTONIO L. MORADA

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Introductory Message

For the teacher:

Welcome to the SHS CREATIVE WRITING MODULE!
This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by
educators from public institutions in Department of Education Region V (Bicol)
to assist you, the teacher in helping the learners meet the standards set by the
K to 12 Curriculum while overcoming their personal, social, and economic
constraints in schooling.
This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and
independent learning activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore, this
also aims to help learners acquire the needed 21st century skills while taking
into consideration their needs and circumstances.
As a teacher, you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this
module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing
them to manage their own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to
encourage and assist the learners as they do the tasks included in the module.

For the learner:

Welcome to the SHS CREATIVE WRITING MODULE!
This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful
opportunities for guided and independent learning at your own pace and
time. You will be enabled to process the contents of the learning resource while
being an active learner and at the same time an adventurer. Diego your
learning companion is with you as you embark in this learning journey. You will
transport in the different realms to learn and perform noteworthy tasks.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do
not hesitate to consult your teacher. Always bear in mind that you are not
alone.
We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful
learning and gain a deep understanding of the relevant competencies. More
so, use your notebook or a separate sheet of paper in noting significant details
and pieces of information in the different modules and even in accomplishing
the tasks given to you. You can do it!

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Hello Learner! It’s me again Diego. How did you find our previous lessons and
activities? I hope you liked them. Now that you have learned how authors
conceptualized characters, setting and plot, it is time to have another
adventure. You have just received an invitation from the Pen Kingdom.

To[Grab
the Savior of the Pen
your reader’s Kingdom
attention – Learner,
with a great quote from
the document or use this space to emphasize a key
Your patience,
point. To placecreativity and anywhere
this text box determination to page,
on the finish each
just task
were
dragimmeasurable. We cannot thank you enough for restoring
it.]
the peace in our Kingdom. Please accept this invitation.

Get ready to set foot in our time machine, as we revisit the

past and unfold the tales and mysteries of the Greek stage.

-Pen Kingdom

I prepared a checklist of To-Dos so you will not be out of track.

To dos:
1. Identify the individual parts of the Greek stage;
2. Describe how actors move around the Greek stage during ancient
times; and
3. Create a miniature Greek Stage.

Literary Terms refer to the technique, style, and formatting used by writers and
speakers to show emphasis, beauty, and strength of composition.
Direction: Use a literary dictionary and search for the meaning of the following
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terms. Write your answers on the space provided for each it
1. Greek - ___________________________________________________________
2. Greek tragedy -_____________________________________________________
3. Greek Comedy- ____________________________________________________
4. Athens- ___________________________________________________________
5. Polis- _____________________________________________________________

Have you ever heard of the Greatest Theater in the World? Unfold and be
amazed of the mysteries of this structure.
Direction: Watch the video The Greatest Theater uploaded by Discovery UK.
After watching, answer the questions that follow.

Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CVO9Vd067U

Guide Questions:
1. What makes the Greatest Theater mysterious?

2. What symbolisms were mentioned in the video?

__________________________________________________________________

3. What is the purpose of the snake in the Greek Stage?

__________________________________________________________________

Parts of Greek Theater

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Greek tragedies and comedies were always performed in outdoor theaters with
wonderful acoustics and seemingly open to all of the male populace (the
presence of women is contested). Early Greek theaters were probably little
more than open areas in city centers or
next to hillsides where the audience, ‘Due to the restricted number
standing or sitting, could watch and listen of actors
to the chorus singing about the exploits of each performer had to take on
a god or hero. From the late 6th century multiple roles
BC to the 4th and 3rd centuries BC there where the use of masks,
was a gradual evolution towards more costumes, voice & gesture
elaborate theater structures, but the basic became extremely important.’
layout of the Greek theater remained the
same. The major components of Greek theater are labeled on the diagram
above.
Orchestra: The orchestra (literally, "dancing space") was normally circular. It was
a level space where the chorus would dance, sing, and interact with the actors
who were on the stage near the skene. The earliest orchestras were simply made
of hard earth, but in the Classical period some orchestras began to be paved
with marble and other materials. In the center of the orchestra there was often
a thymele, or altar. The orchestra of the theater of Dionysus in Athens was about
60 feet in diameter.

Theatron: The theatron (literally, "viewing-place") is where the spectators sat. The
theatron was usually part of hillside overlooking the orchestra, and often
wrapped around a large portion of the orchestra (see the diagram above).
Spectators in the fifth century BC probably sat on cushions or boards, but by the
fourth century the theatron of many Greek theaters had marble seats.

Skene: The skene (literally, "tent") was the building directly behind the stage.
During the 5th century, the stage of the theater of Dionysus in Athens was
probably raised only two or three steps above the level of the orchestra, and
was perhaps 25 feet wide and 10 feet deep. The skene was directly in back of
the stage, and was usually decorated as a palace, temple, or other building,
depending on the needs of the play. It had at least one set of doors, and actors
could make entrances and exits through them. There was also access to the roof
of the skene from behind, so that actors playing gods and other characters
(such as the Watchman at the beginning of Aeschylus' Agamemnon) could
appear on the roof, if needed.

Parodos: The parodoi (literally, "passageways") are the paths by which the
chorus and some actors (such as those representing messengers or people
returning from abroad) made their entrances and exits. The audience also used
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them to enter and exit the theater before and after the performance.

Staging a Play

Here are the basic parts of a greek tragedy, Agamemnon that will show you
how actors move around the stage with sample script.

(line numbers correspond to Lattimore's Chicago translation)

1. Prologue: 1-39
The watchman tells about the hardships of his long watch and jumps for joy
when he sees the beacon announcing the fall of Troy.

2. Parodos: 40-257
The chorus enters, dancing and singing. They describe the events surrounding
the sailing of the fleet for Troy ten years earlier, including Agamemnon's
sacrifice of his daughter Iphigeneia.

3. First Episode: 258-354

The chorus tells Clytaemestra of the fall of Troy. Clytaemestra describes how
she arranged the relay of beacon fires that have brought the news.

4. First Stasimon: 355-474

Chorus tells how Zeus has punished the misdeeds of the Trojans, and reminds
the audience of how much pain the war has caused the Greeks.

5. Second Episode: 475-680

The herald arrives and tells Clyaemestra and the chorus about the victory at
Troy
.
6. Second Stasimon: 681-781
The chorus reflects on the destructive power of Helen, and debates whether it
is wealthby itself, or only acts of evil induced by wealth, that causes disaster for
humans.

7. Third Episode: 767-974

Agamemnon arrives, and Clytaemestra greets him. Clytaemestra convinces
him to walk on the tapestry into the house.

8. Third Stasimon: 975-1034

The chorus describes their fear about what might happen.

9. Fourth Episode: 1035-1068

Clytaemestra reappears and tries to get Cassandra to go within. She fails, and
returns alone into the house.
10. Epirrhematic: 1069-1177
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Cassandra sings cryptically about the history of the house of Atreus, and what
is to occur.

11. Fifth Episode: 1178-1447

Cassandra stops singing, and begins to speak more clearly about the crimes of
the house of Atreus, and Agamemnon's and her own impending death.
Cassandra goes into the house. The chorus hears and reacts to Agamemnon's
death cries, and Clytaemestra reappears and explains her actions.

12. Epirrhematic: 1448-1576

The chorus and Clytaemnestra, singing, argue. Clytaemestra tries to justify her
actions.

13. Sixth Episode: 1577-1673

Aegisthus appears and argues with the chorus. Aegisthus, Clytaemestra, and
the chorus leave the stage at the end.

Direction: Read the questions carefully. Encircle your answer.

1. The Greek word "theatron" means:

-Performance space -Acting place -Viewing place
-Performance place

2. Greek theatre masks were created solely for entertainment purposes:

-True -False

3. Which is not a responsibility of the chorus:

-Sets the overall mood of the play
-Determines the fate of the protagonist
-Serves as a character, giving advice, expressing opinions, asking questions,
etc
-Can establish the ethical or social framework of events

4. Who attended Greek theatre tragedies

-Everyone -Whoever could afford the ticket price
-Only the rich -Old Men and Children

5. Greek Theatres were located in temples.

-True -False

6. Women roles in Greek theatre were always played by women.

-False -True
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7. Greek gods were never portrayed on stage.
-True -False

8. What area is shown in red?

-Orchestra -Theatron -Skene -Parodos

9. What area is shown in red?

-Orchestra -Parodos -Skene -Theatron

10. What part of the Greek theatre is the blank box on?

-Skene -Theatron -Parados -Orchestra

11. The building in this picture was known as the:

-Theatron -Parodos -Orchestra -Skene

12. Greek theatres had excellent acoustics despite being able to seat up to
65,000 people.
-False -True

13. What symbolic object was placed in the middle of the orchestra?
-A goat -A mask -A bonfire -An alter

14. Greek masks are thought to have included a sort of built in megaphone to
help audiences hear.
-True -False
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15.To the Greeks, the "Chorus" meant

-"The Priests" -"Goat Singers"

-"The Alters" -"The Songs"

Greek theatre began in the 6th century BCE in Athens with the performance of
tragedy plays at religious festivals. These, in turn, inspired the genre of Greek
comedy plays.
The parts of the Greek stage have different functions.

Direction: Identify the functions of each part of the Greek Stage. Use a specific
color for each part. Follow the legend below:

Theatron Parodos

Orchestra Skene

1. It is also called the dancing space. The altar is also located on this
part

2. It is where the spectators sat. It also known as ‘viewing place’

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3. This part is the entrance and exit of the audience.

4. This is where the actors will act. It is made of tent.

5. It is usually part of hillside overlooking the orchestra

Lessons are best understood when you experience doing it firsthand. At this
point, show your creativity by making your own miniature Greek stage. Follow
the pointers below:

Pointers in Making a Mini-Theater

Use any scrap materials like paper, plastic containers, clay or anything that is
available near your home.
Create a three-dimensional replica or a drawing of a Greek theater. Size
depends on the availability of your materials.

Label all the parts of your Mini-Greek Stage.

(A rubric will be used to evaluate your output.

(To the teacher: See attachment in the Appendix)

The basic structure of a Greek tragedy is fairly simple. After a prologue spoken
by one or more characters, the chorus enters, singing and dancing. Scenes
then alternate between spoken sections (dialogue between characters, and
between characters and chorus) and sung sections (during which the chorus
danced).

This is the end of your exploration in the Greek Stage. Did you enjoy your ride?
Fantastic!
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Keeping you in Practice Cooling Down Learning Challenge

1. Viewing Place Answers vary
2. False 1.
3. Determines the fate of the protagonist 2.
4. Everyone
5. False 3.
6. False
4.
7. False
8. Parados 5.
9. Orchestra
10. Theatron
11. Skene Vocabulary Builder
12. True
1. a native or inhabitant of modern Greece, or a person of Greek
13. An alter
descent.
14. True 2. an event causing great suffering, destruction, and distress, such
15. Goat singers as a serious accident, crime, or natural catastrophe.
3. professional entertainment consisting of jokes and satirical
sketches, intended to make an audience laugh.
4. the capital and largest city of Greece
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(n.d.). Retrieved from

https://quizizz.com/admin/quiz/5730b12154a212a0390242f9/greek-
theatre
(n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ancient.eu/Greek_Theatre/

(n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.reed.edu/humanities/110Tech/Theater.html

APPENDIX

Link of the video The Greatest Theater

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CVO9Vd067U
 Mini-Theater Rubric

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Distinguished Proficient Apprentice Novice

5 pts 4 pts 3 pts 1 pts

Appearance Distinguished Proficient Apprentice Novice

of Project
and
The project's The project's The project's The project's
Creativity
appearance appearance appearance appearance
is is quite is somewhat is
professional professional poor with poor with
and and some many
polished polished distracting distractive
without with few elements. elements.
distracting distracting
elements. elements. Some Little attempt
attempt to add
Project is Good made to color or
excellently creative add color originality.
presented effort. and Project has
reflecting Project is originality. sloppy
creativity neat and Project is appearance.
and a lot of shows neat.
thought. evidence of
time spent
on it.

Accuracy Distinguished Proficient Apprentice Novice

The project The project The project The project

content is content is content is content is
exemplary good and fair and poor and
and suggests suggests suggests that
suggests that that the that the
the student student has the student student has
has discovered has not not read
discovered most of the discovered closely.
the important most of the
important ideas of the important
ideas of the scene ideas from
scene presented. the scene.
presented.
 Stage Distinguished
www.shsph.blogspot.com Proficient Apprentice Novice
Details
Stage Details
are effective Stage Some stage Too stage
details are details details are
effective are used to be
, but there effective. an effective
appear to presentation.
be too few
or
too many.