HISTORY

Ancient Greek plays often told stories of popular characters. Many plays that were written 2,500 years ago are still performed today.

Movies and TV use some elements of ancient Greek drama. Find out how ancient Greek drama affects modern cultures.

These masks, which represent tragedy and comedy, come from ancient Greek theater.

• 1 Choose a Topic Work with a partner. Select one question to guide your research:

  • • What characters in movies or TV shows are based on characters from ancient Greek drama? How are the stories similar and different?

  • • Who were the main playwrights, or writers of plays, in ancient Greece? Why are they important today?

  • • What was the chorus in ancient Greek drama? How is this element used today?

  • • What were ancient Greek stages, costumes, and props like? How are these elements different today?

  • • How did the government of ancient Greece affect its theater? How was that government similar to the U.S. government?

• 2 Conduct Research Look through books and magazines. Use the table of contents, index, and other parts of books to locate information. Skim and scan the text to get answers to your questions.

• 3 Plan a Talk Gather information for an oral report. Include facts and details that will interest listeners. Find or create visuals, such as pictures, maps, or charts.

• 4 Give Your Report Display your visuals. Use them as you deliver your report.