Study Guide for Teachers

Study Guide for Teachers YOUNG AUDIENCES OF CONNECTICUT GREEK MYTHS What exactly is a myth? Is it a fantastic story created by the imagination or a kind of scientific explanation, an early attempt to define the world around us? Perhaps the “Chariot of the Sun” myth marks the early stages of religious thought? Or a oneman show on Greek mythology could it possibly be a story with historical truth, one Grades 38 that's based on actual characters and events? These are the types of questions scholars have asked. What we know for sure is that Greek myths have been popular for centuries and have always maintained a special place in ABOUT THE PROGRAM Students meet the heroes, gods and monsters of Greek Western culture. Writers, artists, and great thinkers of all kinds have often relied on them for inspiration and mythology. Using a combination of poetry, masks, mime, and guidance. Young people enjoy them because they’re audience participation, Chariot of the Sun brings these classic great stories. tales to life. Included is the myth of Phaethon, which tells the story of a young man's attempt to drive his father's sun chariot across the sky. It's a dynamic presentation that offers an accessible and fun introduction to the stories of ancient Greece. 50 Minutes OBJECTIVES § To offer a live, interactive theatrical performance for students and teachers. § To introduce students to Greek mythology through theater. § To create a forum where ideas concerning Greek mythology may be shared. § To inspire students to learn more about ancient Greek history. HISTORY OF ANCIENT GREECE The history of ancient Greece can be divided into five periods: 1200 700 BCE, The Dark Ages (when Homer lived); 700500, the Archaic Period; 500336, the Classical Period (probably the best known); 336331, the Hellenistic Period (Alexander the Great); and The Decline of Ancient Greece. It was during the last century BCE that the Roman Empire became a great power, surpassing Greece. At the same time, though, it was very much influenced by Greek culture – and so begins the story of Western civilization. Today, as we look back, it’s remarkable to think that so many areas of accomplishment – in art, architecture, literature, music, government, science, theater – can be traced back to the Greeks. GREEK THEATER The Greeks performed and celebrated their myths in honor of the god Dionysus. Early on, spectators sat on the side of a hill as performers danced and sang below in front of an altar. Eventually, they constructed theaters out of stone, capable of seating thousands of spectators. By 450 BCE, theater had reached an ideal form, achieving a unique balance between the following: (1) the writing (which includes the plays of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, and Aristophanes) (2) the subject matter (Greek myths, stories and history) (3) the overall stagecraft (masks, costumes, scenery) (4) the connection between society and its theater, which lay somewhere between a civic event and communal worship. Page 1 of 2 BEFORE THE PROGRAM VOCABULARY § Set up a chart on the board listing what students Know about Aphrodite goddess of love and beauty ancient Greece, and what they Want to Know. Apollo god of the sun, a skilled musician Ares god of war § Make sure to discuss the cosmology of the ancient world if Artemis goddess of the moon Athena goddess of wisdom and war students do not include it in the previous exercise. Demeter: goddess of earth and harvest Especially important is the idea that the ancient Greeks Dionysus god of wine and the theater believed in many gods, and that each god controlled some Hades god of the Underworld aspect of life on earth. Hera wife of Zeus, queen of the gods Hermes messenger god § Read several Greek or Roman myths as a class, or Pandora first woman, is given a box by Zeus individually. Discuss the ancient world as presented in the Poseidon god of the ocean myths. What can they now add to their chart under Know? Zeus king of the gods, ruler of Olympus Atalanta a human heroine, killed the Calydonian Boar § Discuss how they might act out one or more of the myths Centaur a mythical creature; half man, half horse Chimera a mythical creature with the head of a lion, that they read. What aspects of the myths might be difficult middle of a goat, tail of a poisonous snake to convey on stage? How might they solve the problem of Cyclops oneeyed giant staging the supernatural aspects of the myths? Medusa a dragonlike creature, turned men to stone Griffin a creature with the body of a lion, and head § Make sure to talk about the difference between seeing a live and wings of an eagle performance and watching a performance by an actor on Hydra nineheaded monster television or in the movies. Students need to know that they Minotaur half man, half bull are an important part of the show they are about to see. The Odysseus fought in the Trojan War, hero of the Odyssey actor gets energy from them, so they need to make sure to Perseus cut off head of Medusa Theseus hero of Athens, killed the Minotaur give their full attention during the performance. Chariot a twowheeled, horsedrawn vehicle Chiton a garment worn by men and women Lyre a stringed instrument, similar to a harp River Styx river where the gods swear an unbreakable oath; AFTER THE PROGRAM § Discuss the myths that you heard in the program. Did you the river of death hear any of the ones you read? How were they different when you saw them acted out? CUT & MAKE MASKS § Talk about the ways that the actor was able to convey aspects of the story that were difficult to stage. How did he portray the monsters in the myths? How did he portray the supernatural elements? § Parts of the show are performed in rhyming couplets. Why do you think this style was used? Do you know the difference between perfect and imperfect rhyme? Select a myth, fable or fairy tale. Have students adapt different Template available at chariotusa.com. segments of the story in rhyming verse (try using perfect rhyme). Afterwards, put together and present in class. BOOKS § Ancient Greek World by Jennifer T. Roberts Have students draw a picture (or create a diorama) depicting Ancient Greece (FlashCharts Series) by FlashKids Editors a scene from their favorite myth. Then have them present The Life and Times of Archimedes by Susan Zannos their pictures to the class and explain why this was their Inside Ancient Athens by Fiona Macdonald favorite part. Tales of the Dead: Ancient Greece by Stewart Ross The Ancient Greeks at Home and Work by Don Nardo § The Adventures of Odysseus and The Tale of Troy by Padraic Colum Ask students write about a personal encounter they have with D'Aulaire's Book of Greek Myths by Ingri D'Aulaire an ancient Greek god. They could begin the story with Usborne Illustrated Guide to Greek Myths & Legends by Cheryl Evans something that really happened to them, and then add in the A Wonder Book: Heroes and Monsters…by Nathaniel Hawthorne Ancient Greece by Richard L. Tames meeting with the god, or they could make up all aspects of Mythology by Edith Hamilton the story. After writing, have them illustrate their tale. The MacMillan Book of Greek Gods and Heroes by Alice Low § Share pictures of buildings that have Greek or Roman design elements. Discuss these elements (arches, types of columns, YOUNG AUDIENCE OF CONNECTICUT etc.). Then have students keep an architectural notebook 3074 WHITNEY AVENUE BUILDING 2, 2 ND FLOOR where they document all the Greek or Roman design HAMDEN, CT 06518 elements they can find in their school, neighborhood, or 2032308101 tel 2032308131 fax home. [email protected] Page 2 of 2.

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