Greek Theatre (550–220 BC): Ritual, Tragedy, and Comedy

Greek theatre flourished between 550–220 BC. It originated in festivals dedicated to Dionysus Asked in Exam and evolved from a religious ritual into a major cultural institution shaping civic identity.

1. The Three Great Tragedians

Aeschylus (c. 525 BCE) – The Father of Tragedy

• Known as the Father of Tragedy Asked in Exam.
• Introduced the Second Actor Asked in Exam, expanding character interactions beyond the chorus.
• The Oresteia: His great trilogy Asked in Exam. It includes:
  • Agamemnon
  • Libation Bearers
  • Eumenides
• Themes: Explores vengeance, justice, and the establishment of civic law.
• Other Works: Prometheus Bound (dramatizes punishment by Zeus).

Sophocles (c. 496 BCE) – The Innovator

• Added the Third Actor Asked in Exam.
• Wrote 123 plays, but only 7 survive.
• Most Famous Tragedy: Oedipus the King Asked in Exam.
• Antigone: Explores the conflict between state law and morality.
• Other Plays: Electra, Ajax, Philoctetes, The Women of Trachis, Oedipus at Colonus Asked in Exam.
• Known for creating complex dialogue and character depth.

Euripides (c. 484 BCE) – The Modern Tragedian

• Focused on realism and psychological depth.
• Portrayed gods and heroes with flaws; questioned morality and challenged traditions.
• Wrote around 90 plays, 18 survive.
• Medea (431 BCE): A revenge tragedy Asked in Exam where Medea kills her children to punish Jason.
• Alcestis (438 BCE): Explores the theme of self-sacrifice Asked in Exam.

2. Greek Comedy: Old, Middle, and New

Greek comedy was lighter in tone and socially engaged. It famously reflected the medical Theory of Four Humours Asked in Exam.

Old Comedy (5th–4th Century BCE)

Known for satire, obscenity, and political criticism.

• Aristophanes: The master playwright of Old Comedy Asked in Exam.
• Knights: Attacked Athenian politician Cleon.
• Clouds: Ridiculed Socrates and the sophists Asked in Exam.
• Wasps: Mocked the Athenian obsession with jury duty Asked in Exam.
• Frogs: Humorously portrayed Dionysus going to the underworld Asked in Exam.

Middle Comedy

Reduced political content. Athenaeus documented its characteristics, but mostly fragments survive.

New Comedy (Late 4th Century BCE)

Shifted focus to domestic life and love intrigues.

• Menander: Produced over 100 plays Asked in Exam.
• Won 8 Dionysian prizes.
• Dyskolos (The Grouch): His play that survives nearly fully.
• Influence: Roman playwrights Plautus and Terence imitated him. He influenced Shakespeare, Molière, and European drama.