Greek theatre was arguably the birthplace of Western theatrical traditions. It dates back to the fifth century BC and was part of religious festivals in honour of Dionysus, the god of wine and fertility.
Greek theatre evolved from festivals that celebrated ancient myths, legends and religious rituals. There were two main types of plays presented during these festivals: tragedies and comedies.
Tragedies were serious dramas that explored human suffering and dealt with themes such as fate, justice, and death. They often focused on a heroic figure who was brought down by his or her own hubris (excessive pride).
Tragic plays typically ended with a sad resolution, though there were moments of hope scattered throughout. The most famous example of a tragedy is Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex.
Comedies were lighter fare that poked fun at life’s absurdities. They often featured characters in ridiculous or awkward situations that were resolved through clever wordplay or humorous outcomes.
Comedies allowed audiences to laugh at themselves and escape reality for a while. The most famous example of a comedy is Aristophanes’ Lysistrata.
Greek theatre has had an enormous influence on modern theatre, from Shakespeare’s plays to contemporary musicals. Even though it has been centuries since these festivals first began, their legacy lives on through the works they have inspired.
In conclusion, Greek theatre can be divided into two main types: tragedies and comedies. Tragedies explored darker themes such as suffering and hubris while comedies poked fun at life’s absurdities. Both genres have had an enormous influence on modern theatre, from Shakespeare to contemporary musicals.