8.5 Ekkyklema
9 min read•august 21, 2024
Greek tragedy used a clever device called the to reveal hidden scenes and bodies. This wheeled platform rolled out from the stage building, allowing playwrights to show indoor events or aftermath of violence without breaking theatrical conventions.
The ekkyklema served multiple dramatic functions, creating shock value and extending the stage space. It symbolized the blurring of public and private boundaries and the revelation of hidden truths, enhancing the emotional impact and storytelling possibilities of Greek plays.
Purpose of ekkyklema
- Ekkyklema serves as a crucial theatrical device in Greek tragedy, enhancing dramatic impact and audience engagement
- Allows playwrights to overcome limitations of the physical stage, expanding narrative possibilities
- Bridges the gap between offstage events and onstage action, maintaining the unity of place in Greek theater
Revealing interior scenes
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- Exposes indoor settings typically hidden from view, such as palace interiors or private chambers
- Enables audiences to witness intimate moments or secret conversations crucial to the plot
- Creates a visual transition between public and private spaces, heightening dramatic tension
- Used to show the aftermath of violent or taboo acts that occur offstage (murder scenes, suicides)
Displaying dead bodies
- Presents corpses of characters who have died offstage, often victims of violence or suicide
- Allows for powerful visual impact without violating the convention of not showing violence onstage
- Evokes strong emotional responses from both characters and audience members
- Serves as tangible evidence of tragic events, reinforcing the consequences of characters' actions
Design and mechanics
- Ekkyklema represents a significant innovation in ancient Greek stagecraft, enhancing theatrical storytelling
- Demonstrates the ingenuity of Greek theater designers in overcoming spatial limitations
- Reflects the importance of visual elements in complementing spoken dialogue and choral odes
Wheeled platform structure
- Consists of a flat, circular platform mounted on wheels or rollers for easy movement
- Typically measures about 10 feet in diameter, accommodating multiple actors and props
- Constructed from wood, with decorative elements added to match the specific scene requirements
- Features a low railing or barrier to prevent actors from falling during operation
- May include attachments for curtains or screens to conceal its contents until the reveal
Operation by stage crew
- Maneuvered by a team of stagehands working behind the scenes
- Pushed or pulled through a central door in the skene (background building facade)
- Requires precise timing and coordination with actors' dialogue and stage directions
- Often accompanied by sound effects (creaking wheels, grinding stone) to heighten dramatic effect
- Stagehands may assist in arranging actors and props on the platform before its appearance
Historical context
- Ekkyklema emerges as a response to the unique challenges and conventions of Greek tragic theater
- Reflects the evolving nature of theatrical storytelling in ancient Greece
- Demonstrates the interplay between dramatic writing and technological innovation in stagecraft
Origins in Greek theater
- First documented use dates back to the 5th century BCE during the Golden Age of Athenian drama
- Developed in response to the need for more dynamic staging options within the constraints of Greek theater
- Possibly inspired by earlier theatrical devices or religious ceremonial practices
- Coincides with the rise of more complex plot structures and character development in Greek tragedy
- Attributed to innovative playwrights seeking new ways to engage and surprise their audiences
Evolution over time
- Initially used sparingly, became more frequent as playwrights recognized its dramatic potential
- Grew in size and complexity, accommodating more elaborate scenes and multiple characters
- Influenced the writing style of later playwrights, who incorporated ekkyklema-specific scenes
- Adapted to different theater layouts and sizes as Greek drama spread throughout the Mediterranean
- Gradually declined in use during the Hellenistic period as theatrical tastes and conventions changed
Dramatic functions
- Ekkyklema serves multiple purposes in enhancing the storytelling and emotional impact of Greek tragedies
- Allows playwrights to overcome the limitations of the three-actor rule in Greek theater
- Contributes to the overall rhythm and pacing of the dramatic performance
Shock value for audience
- Creates sudden, visually striking moments that captivate and surprise spectators
- Intensifies emotional reactions by presenting graphic or unexpected scenes
- Breaks the monotony of dialogue-heavy scenes with powerful visual imagery
- Generates a sense of shared experience among audience members witnessing the reveal
- Often used at climactic moments to maximize dramatic impact and leave lasting impressions
Extension of stage space
- Effectively doubles the usable performance area by bringing interior scenes to the forefront
- Allows for seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor settings without scene changes
- Enables simultaneous action in multiple spaces, enhancing narrative complexity
- Provides a physical representation of characters' inner thoughts or hidden motivations
- Creates a dynamic interplay between visible and concealed elements of the story
Notable uses in plays
- Examination of ekkyklema usage across major Greek tragedians reveals its versatility and impact
- Demonstrates how different playwrights adapted the device to suit their individual styles and themes
- Highlights the evolution of ekkyklema's role in Greek tragedy over time
Examples from Aeschylus
- Agamemnon: Reveals the bodies of Agamemnon and Cassandra after their murder by Clytemnestra
- The Libation Bearers: Displays the corpses of Aegisthus and Clytemnestra, killed by Orestes
- Eumenides: Used to show the sleeping Furies inside Apollo's temple at Delphi
- Seven Against Thebes: Presents the bodies of Eteocles and Polynices, symbolizing the tragic fate of Oedipus' sons
Examples from Sophocles
- Ajax: Reveals Ajax's suicide, showcasing the consequences of his madness and shame
- Electra: Displays the body of Clytemnestra after her murder, confronting Electra with her actions
- Antigone: Used to show the corpse of Haemon, who has killed himself upon finding Antigone dead
- Oedipus Rex: Reveals Jocasta's hanged body and the blinded Oedipus in the aftermath of the truth's revelation
Examples from Euripides
- Hippolytus: Presents the dying Hippolytus to his father Theseus, leading to reconciliation
- Medea: Shows Medea with the bodies of her murdered children, emphasizing her terrible revenge
- Heracles: Reveals Heracles bound and unconscious after his bout of divinely-induced madness
- Bacchae: Displays Pentheus' dismembered body, brought back by his mother Agave
Symbolism and meaning
- Ekkyklema carries deeper symbolic significance beyond its practical theatrical function
- Reflects Greek cultural attitudes towards public and private spheres, truth, and concealment
- Serves as a metaphor for the revelation of hidden aspects of human nature and society
Boundary between public vs private
- Physically represents the transgression of social boundaries and norms
- Blurs the line between the oikos (private household) and the polis (public sphere)
- Exposes intimate or taboo acts typically hidden from public view
- Challenges characters and audience to confront the consequences of private actions in a public setting
- Symbolizes the intrusion of the state or society into personal matters
Revelation of hidden truths
- Acts as a visual metaphor for uncovering secrets or exposing lies
- Brings to light the consequences of characters' past actions or decisions
- Represents the inevitability of truth emerging, despite attempts at concealment
- Serves as a moment of anagnorisis (recognition or discovery) for both characters and audience
- Embodies the Greek tragic theme of knowledge leading to suffering or enlightenment
Theatrical conventions
- Ekkyklema usage follows specific patterns and expectations within Greek tragic performances
- Reflects the highly stylized nature of Greek theater and its adherence to established conventions
- Demonstrates the interplay between dramatic structure and stagecraft in ancient performances
Timing of ekkyklema use
- Typically employed at pivotal moments in the play's plot, often near the climax or resolution
- Used sparingly to maintain its impact and avoid overreliance on the device
- Often coincides with major revelations or turning points in the narrative
- May be preceded by buildup through dialogue or choral odes to heighten anticipation
- Sometimes used in conjunction with other theatrical devices (, messenger speeches) for maximum effect
Audience expectations
- Regular theatergoers would anticipate the use of ekkyklema in certain types of scenes
- Created a sense of dramatic irony as audiences knew more than the characters onstage
- Allowed playwrights to play with or subvert expectations for dramatic effect
- Contributed to the ritualistic aspect of Greek theater, with familiar elements in new contexts
- Served as a shared cultural reference point for discussing and interpreting plays
Modern adaptations
- Ekkyklema continues to influence contemporary theater and other narrative media
- Demonstrates the enduring power of ancient Greek theatrical techniques
- Reflects ongoing efforts to bridge classical and modern storytelling methods
Contemporary theater interpretations
- Modern productions of Greek plays may use updated versions of ekkyklema (revolving stages, elevators)
- Experimental theater incorporates ekkyklema-inspired devices to create similar reveal effects
- Some directors reinterpret the function of ekkyklema using lighting, projections, or other technologies
- Playwrights draw inspiration from ekkyklema to create new ways of presenting offstage or interior action
- Immersive theater productions may use mobile set pieces to bring hidden scenes to the audience
Film and television equivalents
- Flashbacks or cutaway scenes serve a similar function to ekkyklema in revealing past or hidden events
- Sudden camera movements or pans can mimic the surprise effect of ekkyklema reveals
- Split-screen techniques allow for simultaneous viewing of multiple spaces, echoing ekkyklema's extension of stage space
- Crime scene investigations in detective shows often mirror ekkyklema's role in displaying bodies or crime scenes
- Reality TV "confessional" segments parallel ekkyklema's function of revealing characters' inner thoughts
Critical analysis
- Scholarly examination of ekkyklema reveals its complex role in Greek tragic structure and impact
- Highlights the device's contribution to the unique aesthetic and philosophical aspects of Greek drama
- Demonstrates the interconnectedness of form and content in ancient theatrical traditions
Impact on narrative structure
- Allows for non-linear storytelling by revealing past events or simultaneous action
- Creates opportunities for dramatic irony as audience sees information hidden from characters
- Serves as a physical manifestation of peripeteia (reversal of fortune) in tragic plots
- Enables playwrights to compress time and space, maintaining the unity of action
- Provides a visual punctuation mark to emphasize key moments in the narrative arc
Psychological effects on viewers
- Elicits strong emotional responses through sudden, visceral imagery
- Challenges audience to confront uncomfortable truths or taboo subjects
- Creates a shared experience of revelation, uniting spectators in collective
- Blurs the line between observer and participant as audience "witnesses" private scenes
- Potentially triggers cognitive dissonance as viewers reconcile expectations with revealed reality
Comparison to other devices
- Examining ekkyklema in relation to other theatrical techniques highlights its unique functions
- Demonstrates the rich toolkit available to ancient Greek playwrights for storytelling
- Reveals the interconnected nature of various dramatic devices in creating a cohesive theatrical experience
Ekkyklema vs deus ex machina
- Ekkyklema reveals human actions and consequences, while deus ex machina introduces divine intervention
- Ekkyklema typically occurs mid-play, deus ex machina often appears at the end to resolve conflicts
- Ekkyklema exposes hidden truths, deus ex machina imposes external solutions
- Ekkyklema operates on a horizontal plane, deus ex machina involves vertical movement (gods descending)
- Both devices create surprise and spectacle but serve different narrative and thematic purposes
Ekkyklema vs skene
- Ekkyklema is a mobile platform, while skene is the fixed background building facade
- Ekkyklema brings interior scenes forward, skene represents the exterior of buildings
- Ekkyklema is used intermittently for specific reveals, skene is a constant presence throughout the play
- Ekkyklema creates dynamic stage pictures, skene provides a stable backdrop for action
- Both elements work together to define and expand the theatrical space
Legacy and influence
- Ekkyklema's impact extends far beyond its original context in ancient Greek theater
- Demonstrates the enduring power of innovative theatrical techniques across cultures and time periods
- Reflects the ongoing dialogue between classical traditions and evolving artistic forms
Impact on later theater traditions
- Influenced Roman theater, which adapted and modified Greek staging techniques
- Inspired Renaissance and Neoclassical playwrights in their revival of classical themes and forms
- Contributed to the development of stage machinery and special effects in later periods
- Echoed in the use of tableaux vivants in 19th-century theater and early cinema
- Continues to inspire contemporary theater designers and directors in creating reveal effects
Cultural significance in Greek society
- Reflected and reinforced social norms regarding public and private behavior
- Served as a tool for exploring complex moral and philosophical issues
- Contributed to the educational and civic function of theater in ancient Greek democracy
- Demonstrated the importance of visual spectacle in religious and cultural festivals
- Became a shared cultural reference point, influencing art, literature, and public discourse
Key Terms to Review (16)
Antagonist: In Greek tragedy, the antagonist is the character who opposes the protagonist, creating conflict and driving the narrative forward. This character often embodies opposing values or forces that challenge the main character, leading to pivotal moments of tension and change. The antagonist can be a person, a group, or even a concept that creates obstacles for the protagonist's goals.
Antistrophe: Antistrophe is a term used in Greek tragedy to refer to the second part of a choral ode, where the chorus responds to the themes presented in the first part, called the strophe. This structure not only emphasizes the dramatic progression of the narrative but also enhances the emotional impact of the performance, showcasing the interplay between characters and the collective voice of the chorus.
Catharsis: Catharsis is the emotional release experienced by the audience of a tragedy, leading to a sense of purification or renewal. This concept is central to Greek tragedy, as it allows the audience to experience intense feelings of pity and fear, which are ultimately resolved, leaving them with a sense of emotional relief. It connects to various elements of tragic narratives, including character development and plot structure, as well as the overall impact of the theatrical experience.
Choregos: A choregos was a wealthy patron in ancient Athens who financed the production of plays, particularly during the Dionysian festivals. This role was essential in supporting the arts, as they provided funding for everything from costumes to the training of actors, playing a vital part in the theatrical culture of the time. Choregoi were expected to fulfill this civic duty as a form of public service, contributing significantly to the community's cultural life.
Deus ex machina: Deus ex machina is a literary device where an unexpected power or event saves a seemingly hopeless situation, often introduced suddenly at the end of a story. This term connects to various aspects of Greek tragedy, particularly in how resolutions are crafted, revealing themes of fate and free will, emotional purification, and the mechanisms of theatrical presentation.
Dionysia: Dionysia was a major festival in ancient Athens that celebrated the god Dionysus, who was associated with wine, fertility, and theater. This festival featured dramatic competitions, where playwrights would present their works, often tragedies and comedies, to large audiences. The significance of Dionysia extends beyond entertainment, as it played a crucial role in the development of Greek theater, facilitating catharsis and the use of theatrical devices such as the ekkyklema.
Ekkyklema: Ekkyklema is a wheeled platform used in ancient Greek theatre to bring scenes or characters out from the skene, often revealing important dramatic events that occurred offstage. This device allowed playwrights to depict violence or death without showing it directly, adhering to the conventions of Greek tragedy while also engaging the audience's imagination. The ekkyklema also served as a significant scenic element, enhancing the storytelling and dramatic impact of the performance.
Euripides: Euripides was an ancient Greek playwright, known for his innovative and often controversial approach to tragedy, which emphasized character psychology and complex moral dilemmas. His works frequently challenged traditional values and explored themes such as gender, social injustice, and the human condition, making him a pivotal figure in the evolution of Greek theater.
Fate vs. Free Will: Fate vs. free will is a central theme in Greek tragedy that examines the extent to which human actions are determined by destiny versus the choices individuals make. This theme often creates tension in narratives, as characters grapple with their perceived ability to influence their own lives while facing inevitable outcomes predetermined by the gods or cosmic order.
Hamartia: Hamartia refers to a tragic flaw or error in judgment that leads to the downfall of a tragic hero. This concept is crucial in understanding the nature of tragedy, as it illustrates how the protagonist's own actions, often stemming from their character or decisions, can contribute to their demise.
Hubris: Hubris refers to excessive pride or self-confidence that often leads to a downfall, particularly in the context of Greek tragedy. It is a critical flaw in tragic heroes that can result in catastrophic consequences, illustrating the tension between human agency and divine will.
Protagonist: The protagonist is the main character in a story or play, often facing challenges and undergoing significant change throughout the narrative. This character typically embodies the central theme and drives the plot forward, engaging the audience's emotions and moral reflections. The journey of the protagonist is essential for creating moments of catharsis, developing episodes of action, and showcasing pivotal scenes like those presented through ekkyklema.
Sophocles: Sophocles was a prominent ancient Greek playwright who significantly contributed to the development of drama, especially in the context of tragedy. He is best known for his works such as 'Oedipus Rex' and 'Antigone,' which explore complex themes of fate, morality, and human nature, while employing innovative theatrical techniques that influenced the structure of plays.
Strophe: In Greek tragedy, a strophe is a part of a choral ode, specifically the first section in which the chorus moves from one side of the stage to the other while singing. This term is essential as it highlights the dynamic nature of performance and emphasizes the chorus's role in engaging with the narrative, reflecting emotions, and responding to the actions taking place on stage.
Theater of Dionysus: The Theater of Dionysus is an ancient theater in Athens, considered the birthplace of Western drama, particularly Greek tragedy. It was dedicated to the god Dionysus, who represented wine, fertility, and festivity, and was the site of dramatic festivals where playwrights showcased their work. This venue is significant for its role in the development of theatrical forms and the performance of key elements like anagnorisis, hamartia, stasima, and the ekkyklema.
Tragic hero: A tragic hero is a character in a dramatic work who possesses noble qualities but ultimately faces downfall due to a tragic flaw or fate. This concept is vital in understanding how characters evoke pity and fear, as their struggles often highlight profound human experiences and moral dilemmas.