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What did men do to look like women in greek plays?

In ancient Greek theatre, men played all the roles, including female characters. To achieve a convincing female appearance, actors used a variety of techniques:

Costume:

* Chiton: A long, flowing tunic, usually made of linen or wool, was the basic garment worn by women. It could be plain or elaborately embroidered.

* Himation: A large rectangular cloak was worn over the chiton, often draped in a specific way to accentuate the feminine form.

* Stola: A longer, more elaborate garment worn by wealthy women, often made of silk or velvet.

* Jewelry: Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings were worn to add a touch of femininity.

* Hair: Wigs, often made from real hair, were used to create a variety of hairstyles. They could be styled in elaborate braids, buns, or curls.

Makeup:

* White lead: Used to lighten the skin, creating a pale, ethereal appearance.

* Rouge: Applied to the cheeks and lips for a touch of color.

* Eyeliner: Used to enhance the eyes, often drawing a line from the inner corner to the outer corner.

* False eyelashes: Made from animal hair or other materials, were sometimes used to create a more dramatic look.

Performance:

* Voice: Actors developed a higher-pitched voice and a more delicate speaking style to convey femininity.

* Movement: Actors used more graceful and fluid movements to mimic the way women walked and moved.

* Gestures: They learned to use hand gestures and facial expressions that were considered more feminine.

It's important to note that these techniques, while effective, were not always realistic. The audiences of ancient Greek plays were aware that they were watching men in drag, but they accepted this as part of the theatrical tradition. They were more interested in the story and the characters than in the realism of the portrayal.

The use of men in drag was common in theatre for many centuries, and it wasn't until the Renaissance that women began to appear on stage in Europe.

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