What is a Periaktoi in Theatre?

periaktos, (Greek: “revolving”, ) plural Periaktoi, ancient theatrical device by which a scene or change of scene was indicated. It was described by Vitruvius in his De architectura (c. 14 bc) as a revolving triangular prism made of wood, bearing on each of its three sides a different pictured scene.

How does a Periaktoi work?

It consists of a revolving solid equilateral triangular prism made of wood. On each of its three faces, a different scene is painted, so that, by quickly revolving the periaktos, another face can appear to the audience.

What is a Periaktoi in set design?

A Periaktoi is an ancient device, often thought to be of Greek origin, that is still used for stage scene changes. It is usually a triangular unit with (3) equal sides. Each side can have a different scene painted on it.

What are Periaktoi or prisms used for?

A periaktoi is a prism-shaped piece of scenery . They were used in Ancient Greek theaters. Each side of the periaktoi is painted with a different scene.

What is a wing and drop show?

Wing and drop: an old method, wings are legs painted like drops. To change the scene, one set of wings, drop, and border are flown out and another set flown in. This system is still common in opera and ballet.

The Ancient Greek Theatre - Parts and Machinery (3D)

What is jackknife platform?

» JACK KNIFE STAGE or JACKKNIFE STAGE. Definition: A stage used for rapid scene-shifting, consisting of a platform or two on casters, pivoted at one corner to swing off- and onstage.

What is the difference between tabs and legs?

Tabs, also known as up-and-downers (UK) or Germans, are drapes hung perpendicular to the proscenium and at the sides, used to more completely mask the wings than legs. Unlike most stage drapery, these run up to downstage (hence "up-and-downer").

When was the Periaktoi invented?

It is basically a billboard stating, “Imagine we are here.” The periaktos can be traced as far back as 14 B.C., when Vitruvius described the idea in his De architectura. It was notably used in Italian and English theatre during the 16th and 17th centuries, respectively.

What does Cyclorama mean in theatre?

cyclorama, in theatre, background device employed to cover the back and sometimes the sides of the stage and used with special lighting to create the illusion of sky, open space, or great distance at the rear of the stage setting.

What did the Choregos do?

Choregoi were responsible for supporting many aspects of theatre production in ancient Athens: paying for costumes, rehearsals, the chorus, scenery or scene painting (including such items as mechane and ekkyklema), props (including elaborate masks), special effects, such as sound, and musicians, except that the state ...

What is a Ekkyklema in Greek theatre?

eccyclema, Greek Ekkyklēma, also called Exostra, in classical Greek theatre, stage mechanism consisting of a low platform that rolled on wheels or revolved on an axis and could be pushed onstage to reveal an interior or some offstage scene such as a tableau.

What is the chariot and pole system?

1641, when he perfected the chariot-and-pole system. According to this system, slots were cut in the stage floor to support uprights, on which flats were mounted. These poles were attached below the stage to chariots mounted on casters that ran in tracks parallel to the front of the stage.

What is a portal in theater?

A portal consists of a header (border) and tabs (legs) that can be moved to adjust the size and shape of the proscenium opening to fit various performance needs.

What are box sets in theatre?

box set, in Western theatre, realistically detailed, three-walled, roofed setting that simulates a room with the fourth wall (the one closest to the audience) removed.

Why are thrust stages good?

Advantages: A thrust has the advantage of greater intimacy between audience and performer than a proscenium, while retaining the use of a backstage area. Entrances onto a thrust are most readily made from backstage, although some theatres provide for performers to enter through the audience.

What was the purpose of the Mechane in Greek drama?

This device was the crane that the Greeks used in their theatre mostly in the fifth and fourth centuries BC. The "mechane" was composed of wooden beams and used a pulley system to pick up an actor into the air and elevate them above the stage to simulate flight.

What does downstage mean in theatre?

Definition of downstage

(Entry 1 of 2) 1 : toward or at the front of a theatrical stage. 2 : toward a motion-picture or television camera.

How is a CYC different from a backdrop?

Cycloramas are created with white or natural muslin (flat panels), and are front lit to help achieve the desired look. Unlike scrims, cycloramas are not usually located elsewhere on the stage. Backdrops: A backdrop is actually a generic term used to refer to several different types of fabric that can be used on stage.

What is a fly loft?

» FLY LOFT. Definition: Extension of the stage walls up to allow scenery to be flown up until it is out of sight of the audience. Known as the "flies". The ideal fly tower should be more than twice the height of the proscenium arch, and is said to have "full flying height".

What is the reason the movable carts were called pageants?

Pageant comes from the archaic word for the wagon stage, "pagyn.” It is a word used to describe the movable stage on which a scene of the processional religious play was performed. The origin of the religious play began in medieval churches.

What is proscenium arch in drama?

proscenium, in theatre, the frame or arch separating the stage from the auditorium, through which the action of a play is viewed.

What changed in Roman theaters from Greek Theatres?

The Roman Theater had a permanent seating space at the base where the high officials and priests sat during plays. This was unlike the Greek counterparts that did not have these permanent sitting places for the high officials.

Why are theatre curtains red?

The red theatre curtain is typically used because the colour red does not absorb light as much as other colours, meaning that red curtains are most suitable for shining spotlights on stage. Different coloured curtains - such as blue or green - would absorb the light, making it difficult for the speaker to be shown.

What is a Kabuki drop?

A Kabuki Drop describes a swift and sudden reveal, using drapes or curtains that drop to the floor, exposing hidden elements for the audience to see on stage.

What are wings in theatre?

Wings. The areas just off stage left or stage right, not seen by the audience. The actors wait here immediately before they go onstage.