HISTORY OF

WESTERN
THEATRICAL
FORMS
Theater started as part of the performance of ritual,
ceremony, and myth.
In ancient societies, groups of people performed
actions, and these actions became part of tradition,
ceremonies, and rituals because of the desire and
need of people for meaning and entertainment.
THEATER is a place or area for watching
dramatic performances.
 WRITERS – writes the script.
DIRECTOR – guides the actors and
actresses.
STAGE DESIGNERS – create stage,
costumes, and props for the scene.
ACTORS and ACTRESSES – perform their
roles on stage so that the audience can watch
the overall performance.
 ANCIENT GREEK THEATER
 Western of European theater started in Greece,
approximately in 700 B.C when ancient Greek citizens
honored their gods through festivals and celebrations.
 “CULT OF DIONYSUS” – religious festivals.
 DIONYSUS – “god of wine and fertility”.

 During this period, the city of Athens was the center of the
Greek culture, politics, and power.
DIONYSUS
 3 TYPES OF DRAMA IN ANCIENT
GREECE
 TRAGEDY – it has an unhappy ending and focuses on
tragic events.
 Oedipus Rex or Oedipus the king – is an example of Athenian tragedy
written by Sophocles.
 THESPIS – considered as the first actor.
- “Father of Drama.”

 COMEDY - ancient Greek comedy plays were derived

from mimicking or imitation.
 ARISTOPHANES – most famous playwright of comedy. His
works often poked fun at Greek society, politicians, artist, and
philosophers.

 SATYR PLAYS - In Greek festivals, a tragedy is a trilogy

performace. It is the fourth play in Greek festivals and competition.
It has special function, to lighten the mood of the audience after
watching tree serious, tragic plays. A satyr play is funny, contains
comedic elements, and ends in a happy ending. Played after a
tragic trilogy, a satyr play is lighthearted and short. The actors on a
play acted as mythical heroes while the chorus members are satyrs.
OPEN AIR THEATER (Theatron)