Examine the religious festival of the Dionysia as context for the performance of Athenian tragedy, considering its programme, organisation, audience and political relevance.

Outline the structure for the Great Dionysia
What was included in the festival
How was the theatre and the events organised?
Who was in the theatre and why were they positioned in that way?
What were the political aspects of the festival?
What was the purpose of the themes of the tragic plays performed in the festival?