Theater of Dionysus: performance site of drama in Athens on the south slope of the acropolis (see below) ; part of shrine to this god
polis: the ancient Greek word for "city-state"; the primary political organization
oikos: the family unit, including its physical property; its needs are often in tension with the polis
Acropolis: "the high city"; most famous part of Athens; theater on its south slope
Chorus: group of 12-15 men who sing and dance during the plays. They often represent the collective community, but not necessarily the poet's thoughts .
choryphaeus: chorus leader; steps forward to speak with protagonists
stichomythia: the line-by-line debates, characteristic of Greek drama
dithyramb: choral hymns to Dionysus; tragedy grew partly from this type of poetry
Thespis: the semi-legendary founder of tragedy during the sixth century B.C.E.
Pisistratus: tyrant who founded the tragic festival during the sixth century B.C.E.
Cleisthenes: founder of Greek democracy 2500 years ago
Chorêgoi: wealthy citizens who were "asked"to fund performances
proagon: a ceremony before the tragic festival; the playwright and actors would stand in costume before an assembly in the Odeion and announce the subjects of his plays
agora: the equivalent of the town square; a marketplace; first performances of drama here
skênê: pronounced "skaynay"; building or tent at back of acting area; often painted for scenery
orchestra: the dancing area; chorus occupies this space
eisoidoi: "entrances" to performance space; the opposite of an eisodos is an exodos
ekkyklêma: a cart inside the skênê which couldbe suddenly rolled out to display the result of an event inside;e.g. the murder of Agamemnon
mêchanê: a crane used to lift actors above the acting area; usually actors are playing gods here, hence the phrase deus ex machina
agon: in general, "competition"; specifically, the debate in a drama
parodos: the first ode the chorus sings as it enters the orchestra
stasimon: any choral ode sung subsequent to the parodos