1. Chorus and Collective Performance: Ancient Greek theatre heavily emphasized the chorus, a group of performers who sang, danced, and commented on the action. Modern theatre often features individual protagonists and smaller ensembles, with the chorus largely absent except in specific productions inspired by Greek tragedies. The entire performance was a more collective effort in ancient Greece.
2. Masks and Costumes: Greek actors wore masks which indicated the character's identity, emotion, and social status. These masks were large and expressive, unlike modern acting where subtlety and facial expressions are key. Costumes were elaborate and symbolic, often representing mythological figures or archetypes. Modern costumes are more varied and realistic, depending on the play.
3. Limited Staging and Special Effects: Ancient Greek theatres relied on simple staging with limited props and scenery. The focus was on the spoken word and the actors' delivery. Special effects were minimal, mostly relying on the imagination of the audience. Modern theatre employs sophisticated lighting, sound, stage design, and special effects to enhance the production.
4. Audience Participation and Emotional Response: The audience in ancient Greece was actively involved in the performance. They were expected to respond emotionally to the events unfolding on stage, and their reactions were an integral part of the theatrical experience. Modern audiences are generally more passive observers, although applause and other forms of feedback still exist.
5. Social Context and Purpose: Ancient Greek theatre was deeply embedded in religious and civic life. Performances were often part of religious festivals and served as a means of exploring social, political, and philosophical themes. Modern theatre has a wider range of purposes, including entertainment, artistic expression, and social commentary.
6. Gender and Acting: Only men performed in ancient Greek theatre, even playing female roles. This was a significant limitation compared to modern theatre, which embraces diverse gender and sexual identities among its performers.
7. Improvisation and Training: While not completely improvised, Greek performances incorporated more flexibility and potential for improvisation than highly scripted modern performances. The training for actors would have been different too, likely focusing on vocal projection, physicality, and choral performance more than specific character study as we know it today.
In short, ancient Greek performance was a more communal, ritualistic, and visually symbolic experience compared to the individualistic, technologically advanced, and diverse forms of performance we see today. The differences reflect not just changes in technology and artistic conventions, but also fundamental shifts in social structures and cultural values.