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Glite Dictionary
skene

skene

9.9
A building at the back of an ancient Greek stage where actors change and decorations form the background
  • noun
  • /skiːni/
  • Specialized
translation icon : esquena
  • The ancient skene served as a backdrop for the performance.

Examples

  • In ancient Greek drama, the skene provided a place for actors to change costumes.

  • The remains of the original skene can still be seen at some archaeological sites.

  • Decorations on the skene often helped set the scene for the audience.

  • Many Greek theaters featured a skene at the rear.

  • The actors gathered behind the skene to prepare for their next performance.

  • In ancient Greek theaters, the skene served as both a backdrop and a dressing area for performers.

  • The elaborate decorations on the skene added to the overall visual impact of the play.

Compounds

skene arch
  • Specialized
9.9

A curved opening in a wall that is lower than it is wide

Surface Forms

skene singular
skenes plural

Etymology

The word skene comes from the Greek word skēnē, which meant 'tent' or 'hut'. This is the same root as English scene and scenery, and a skene in Greek theatre was the backdrop and dressing area at the back of the stage, which is why the word means the stage building in ancient Greek drama.