How Does Aeschylus Use Masks In Greek Theatre

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The National Royal Theatres rendering of the Greek play Agamemnon, written by Aeschylus, used many things to execute the communication of the ancient play to the audience. Greek plays were performed in masks; used beforehand as an element of praise to the God Dionysus in Athens, most likely used in ceremonial rituals and celebrations. The use of masks of Greek theater played a highly important role in the development of the theater art form, and they are considered to be one of the iconic conventions of classical Greek theatre, and the classical masks were also able to bring the characters’ faces closer to the audience, especially since they are highly, intensely over-exaggerated facial features and expressions. With that being said, it was …show more content…

As the chorus finishes their first scene, Clytemnestra enters, the wife of Agamemnon. Her mask is coated in gold. It creates an ethereal glow as it shines in the light and reflects it back. The long black hair on the mask is also adorned in gold in the form of facets clamped around bundles. Compared to the chorus’ muted beige masks, she is the one that stands out like the beacon she is declaring to have seen. The heralds mask was a more detailed in the fact that it was also golden. It even was adorned with a golden ivy crown, which has symbolized a ruler or leader. His mask also reflects the look full of hope and shock and awe. Another example of how the use of masks displays power and rank would be that of Agamemnon. Agamemnon’s dramatically peaked helmet that glimmers with every slight movement of …show more content…

On the complete opposite side of that, Clytemnestra’s pungent orange dress, accented with such a gaudy gold necklace, against the gray muted background creates such a dramatic contrast, it forces the viewers focus straight to her. The camera shots within the scene showing her and the chorus, show the chorus members completely blended in, you could only see Clytemnestra. Along with his mask, Agamemnon’s costume also displays power and rank. The swayed cape across his chest that hangs behind him shows his royalty. The exaggerated length of his shoulders gave the feeling of strength and it also increased the look of his figure. Cassandra’s costume has the most detail, the use of black and white paired with a sheen pattern, added a movement to her clothing. It accents her oracle profession and character. It shines under the light and reflects it like the vision she spews from her mouth. Her silk like wrap shined so much like glitter that it communicated a magic feeling. It just reinforced her oracle character. One of the most literal reinforcements used with the costumes would be Clytemnestra’s red glove that she wears, as she rolls out the body of Agamemnon. The use of this bold red glove translates and represents the blood she took at her own

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