Ancient Greek Theater Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Ancient Greek Theater - Essay Example While ancient Greek theatre went through a number of incarnations there are a number of factors that remained consistent or thematic throughout its reign. In terms of staging, generally large theatrical spaces were constructed as the audience numbered as much as fourteen thousand individuals (Freund 2000). Quite notably the acoustical dimensions of these ancient Greek stages had to be constructed in a way that carried sound extremely favorably, as this was a pivotal aspect of catering to the sizeable crowds. Indeed, it has been noted that the Greek acoustic systems in these stages is in line with state of the art acoustic systems in the contemporary environment. In terms of seating the first opening seats were wooden, and this was followed by stone seating for the majority of the theatre audience. Later in the development of the theatre a back wall was placed onto the stage to add dimension and various theatrical elements to the productions. This wall also allowed for costume changes behind the scenes. In terms of content, Greek theatre spanned a wide range of theatrical concepts. Aristotle famously outlined a number of these genres, detailing what constituted comedy from tragedy (Lesky 1965). Still, Ancient Greek theatre is perhaps most remembered for it seminal tragedies. Among the most notable, Sophocles and Aeschylus constructed tragic dramas that explored elements of the human condition in great depth and consideration. Today these theatrical productions continued to be studied and remembered for the continued insight they provide into life, as well their dramatic form of artistry. Considering the actors in the plays, it was a custom that only men in masks be admitted into the productions. It follows that there was not a star-system as one finds in the contemporary Hollywood or Broadway climate, but rather a string of actors that were at best remotely popular for their skill and dexterity. Still, all audiences watched the plays. While the nobility generall y received privileged seating arrangements there was not a division between high and low culture or class in terms of who viewed the plays. One of the central aspects of these productions was the use of masks. The use of masks in these Greek productions was most likely a holdover from an earlier theatrical era. The tradition came such that all actors were adorned in masks throughout the production. The mask was so all-encompassing that there only existed holes for the face and head, in-effect covering the entire face of the actor as a means of obscuring their identity. This allowed for the greater emergence of the character the actor was playing to be seen. The lack of emotion in the masks and the obscuring of identity also functioned as means of allowing the audience to project onto the characters their own unconscious emotions and identity, in-effect making the theatrical productions that much more engrossing and interactive (Harsh 1944). There were unique masks created for partic ular characters and emotions which also contributed to the play through the multi-varied nature of the production. In terms of costumes there were a number of unique elements that are worth considering. The actors in tragic character positions were adorned with boots referred to as cothumuses. These elements give the actors extra height and elevation in comparison to the other players. The actors who played comedic

PREVALENCE OF TOBACCO USE AMONG VETERANS AND INTERVENTIONS Essay

PREVALENCE OF TOBACCO USE AMONG VETERANS AND INTERVENTIONS - Essay Example In addition to these problems, smoking also has been directly linked to causing respiratory complication, oral disease, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. It follows that it is essential greater awareness be brought through veterans to the deleterious consequences of smoking (American Lung Association, 2010). Even as smoking is a considerable problem among the general public, veterans in VA health care demonstrate even statistically higher numbers of illness. Indeed, it is estimated 33 % of the veterans’ population served by the Department of Veterans Affairs are smokers, whereas the national average is at 22% (National Smoking and Tobacco Use Cessation Program directive, 2003).In addition to demonstrating higher percentages of tobacco users, veterans also smoke more heavily than the general population. Much research that has been conducted into this phenomenon indicates that many veterans report beginning smoking while in the military, and after their release continue the pra ctice throughout their daily life as a means of calming anxiety or nerves. The military have always promoted tobacco use in the camps. During both the Second World War and the Korean War the government made complimentary cigarettes available as K-rations. The prevailing wisdom during this period was that cigarettes would keep troops vigilant in the battlefield. Smoking breaks were even used as motivation during boot camp, with soldiers being able to earn breaks (McKinney et al, 1997). It’s believed that the promotion of smoking in these contexts greatly contributed to later day health-related problems among veterans. In these regards, it’s clear that further awareness needs to be brought to the deleterious effects of smoking. Consider statistics from a recent investigation into this phenomenon that indicated 24.1% of 18 – 44 years olds are of veterans are current smokers, this percentage drops to 21.9% for 45 – to – 64 year olds, 11.1% for 65 †“ to 74 –year olds, and 5.8% for those over age 75 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Summary of Health Statistics for U.S. adults, 2006). Women, the fastest growing subgroup of U.S. veterans, are included in the VA health concern. In 2005, the Office of Public Health & Environment indicated that nearly 178,000 women die on a yearly basis as a direct result of smoking related illness. These women also risk cancer, infertility and pregnancy – related problems. SIDS is also common among mothers who smoke during pregnancy. (Department of Veterans Affairs, 2010). Many health experts agreed that the current VA tobacco control efforts to be less effective for women veterans than their male counter – parts. â€Å"Given an expected increase of women veterans with tobacco – related morbidities, developing effective smoking cessation interventions for women veterans is an important goal.† (Katzburg, 2007).In addition to the previously described h ealth risks, research has demonstrated a significant connection between tobacco use and