Drama

:This article refers to the art form. For the town, see Drama, Greece.

Greek drama

The three types of drama composed in the city of Athens were tragedy, comedy, and satyr plays. The origins of Athenian tragedy and comedy are far from clear. We must understand that drama began for the Greeks as a part of religious ritual.

Related Topics:
Athens - Tragedy - Comedy - Satyr play

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The chorus seems to have originated first, with a leader, singing a song about some legendary hero; in later years the leader, rather than singing about the hero, began to impersonate him. Spoken dialogue between several actors was added, and the result was "tragedy" in the Greek form. The very first prize for tragedy went to Thespis in 534 BC.

Related Topics:
Chorus - Hero - Thespis - 534 BC

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In fact, the two masks associated with drama with the smiling and frowning faces are both symbols of the Muses Thalia and Melpomene. Thalia is the Muse of Comedy (the smiling face), and Melpomene is the Muse of Tragedy (the frowning face).

Related Topics:
Muses - Thalia - Melpomene - Comedy - Tragedy

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