Final answer:
The statement about The Great Dionysia is true; during this ancient festival, three tragic poets would present their tetralogy, contributing to the development of Greek theater through innovations and philosophical exploration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that The Great Dionysia featured three tragic poets, each tasked with writing four plays (three tragedies and a lighter, "satyr" play) is true. This ancient Greek festival, celebrated in Athens, showcased the dramatic competitions of three playwrights who each presented a tetralogy consisting of three tragedies and one satyr play - all related to a single myth or theme. The competition was part of the festivities honoring Dionysus, the god of wine and fertility, and featured celebrated poets like Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides, who contributed significantly to the evolution of theater.
Aeschylus is known for introducing a second actor and minimizing the chorus, enriching the dialogue within his plays. Sophocles increased the number of actors to three and used more elaborate scene painting, often credited with developing the groundwork for modern theater. He frequently won at the City Dionysia and was a prolific writer, with works such as Oedipus Rex and Antigone. Euripides, known for his dark and challenging plays, brought a new psychological depth to his characters, making them more human and relatable.
These tragedians were foundational in their artistic expression, both reflecting and questioning the social and philosophical notions of their time. The innovative contributions these writers made to the theater continue to resonate to this day, and their legacy endures through the few complete plays that have survived the passage of time.