What Are the Differences and Similarities Between Greek Roman and Medieval Theatre?

Greek Theatre|Theater

Greek, Roman, and Medieval theatre have numerous differences, however they share many similarities as well. These three eras of theatre are historically important and have had a lasting impact on all forms of theatre today.

Greek Theatre

Greek theatre is the oldest form of theatre that is still substantially intact and studied today. The first known plays were performed in Athens in the 6th century BC and were written by Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides.

These plays were known as tragedies and featured characters such as gods, kings, and heroes who were typically doomed to fail. Greek theatre was often performed in large venues outdoors and often had chorus members who acted out certain scenes or provided commentary for the audience.

Roman Theatre

Roman Theatre was an evolution from Greek Theatre that began around the 2nd century BC. Roman theatre was heavily influenced by the Etruscans, a civilization that predated Rome itself.

Roman plays tended to be more comedic than Greek plays, featuring characters such as slaves and gladiators who would often get into humorous situations. Unlike Greek theatre which was performed outdoors, Roman theatre was usually performed indoors in large amphitheatres such as the Colosseum.

Medieval Theatre

Medieval theatre saw a shift away from classical forms of drama towards religious plays that were used to teach Christian values to audiences throughout Europe. These plays featured characters such as saints and angels who would interact with each other in short skits or speeches about morality. Medieval theatres were typically smaller than their predecessors but still allowed for large audiences to attend performances in churches or public squares throughout Europe.

Similarities

Despite their differences, there are still many similarities between Greek, Roman, and Medieval theatres. All three forms of theatre used costumes and masks to create characters on stage as well as music to punctuate certain scenes or provide atmosphere for the audience.

All three types of theatre also relied heavily on spoken dialogue between actors in order to carry out stories or convey ideas to audiences. Conclusion

In conclusion, Greek, Roman, and Medieval theatres all have distinct differences but share many similarities due to their common roots in classical drama traditions. Although these types of theatres no longer exist today they have left an indelible mark on modern day theatrical performances that can be seen in everything from Shakespearean dramas to contemporary musicals.