Ekkyklema

Definition

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.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The ekkyklema was primarily used to reveal scenes of tragedy, such as deaths or aftermaths of battles, which occurred offstage.
2. This device allowed playwrights to maintain decorum by not depicting violence directly on stage, a key aspect of Greek theatrical conventions.
3. The use of ekkyklema can add dramatic irony since the audience knows more about the events revealed than the characters on stage.
4. Ekkyklema played a crucial role in enhancing visual storytelling, as it provided a dynamic way to transition between scenes without changing the entire set.
5. Some famous examples of ekkyklema can be found in plays like 'Oedipus Rex' by Sophocles and 'Medea' by Euripides, where pivotal moments are revealed through this device.

Review Questions

• How does the ekkyklema enhance the storytelling in Greek tragedies?
  • The ekkyklema enhances storytelling by allowing playwrights to reveal critical events that occur offstage, such as deaths or tragic revelations. This method creates a sense of suspense and engages the audience's imagination as they anticipate what will be revealed. It also maintains adherence to the cultural norms of not depicting violence directly on stage, thus deepening the emotional impact of those moments when they are finally unveiled.
• Discuss the significance of using ekkyklema in conjunction with the skene in Greek theatre productions.
  • The combination of ekkyklema and skene is significant because it provides a structural and narrative framework for performances. The skene serves as both a backdrop and entryway for actors, while the ekkyklema allows for dynamic scene changes that enrich the visual experience. Together, they create a layered dramatic effect, giving life to offstage actions and maintaining a fluidity that keeps audiences engaged in the unfolding story.
• Evaluate how the use of ekkyklema reflects the cultural values and aesthetic principles of ancient Greek theatre.
  • The use of ekkyklema reflects ancient Greek theatre's cultural values by prioritizing decorum and moral implications over direct representation of violence. This aligns with their aesthetic principles, which emphasize subtlety and emotional resonance rather than shock. By relying on imagination and suggestion, playwrights could convey powerful messages about fate and human suffering while adhering to societal expectations regarding public performance and moral storytelling.

Related terms

Skene: The skene was a building used as a backdrop for performances in ancient Greek theatre, often featuring doors that allowed actors to enter and exit the stage.

Chorus: The chorus was a group of performers who commented on the action of the play through song and dance, often reflecting the themes and emotions present in the story.

Machina: The machina was a crane-like device used in ancient Greek theatre to lift actors or objects into the air, often used to portray gods or other supernatural beings.