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600 BCE
Greek Theater Begins
Greek theater begins in 600 B.C as a part of festivals. It was paid for and performed to the community. The theatrical performances of ancient Greece were seen as offerings to God, and were only performed a handful of times throughout the year (Brockett and Ball 61). -
Period: 600 BCE to 400
Greek and Roman Theater
The span of Greek and Roman theaters is 600 B.C. to 400 A.D. -
525 BCE
Tragedy
Tragedy became a popular theme for theater in the late 6th century B.C. The most notable writers from this genre include: Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides. Their works were also performed for hundreds of years after their original release. The tragedy led to other forms of theater and is undoubtedly the backbone of the theater we know now (Cartwright). -
430 BCE
Opedius Rex
In this play, Opedius believes he has escaped a prophecy. He gets married and a plague begins wiping out the population of his town. He turns to the oracle to find out what to do. This play was often performed at the theater of Dionysus (Brockett and Bell 66-70). -
411 BCE
Lysistrata
Lysistrata, written by Aristophanes, is one of the most famous Greek Comedies. The plot is about a treaty for women to withold sex until a peace treaty is signed. The men are seen painfully enduring until said treaty is set forth. Lysistrata was first performed at a festival in Athens, Greece in 411 B.C -
400 BCE
Greek Comedy
In addition to their tragedies, the Greeks also developed a genre of comedic drama. Comedies were widespread among Greece but found a suitable home in the theater of Lenaia. Five comedic writers competed each year (Brockett and Bell 76). -
350 BCE
Roman Theater Begins
Roman theater was formed as a way to assimilate their newfound territory Greece. After Roman theater was first introduced it became more and more popular and shifted from a way to assimilate to a way of life. Shortly after its introduction Roman theater formed its own ways and views as opposed to copying the Greek style (Brockett and Bell 77). -
240 BCE
Roman Comedy
The Roman comedy was originally derived from the Greek version. They had similar scenes, and costumes. The Romans had plenty of raunchy comedy, puns, and immense action. Unlike the Greeks, Romans seemed to prefer comedy over tragedy (Roman Comedy). -
215 BCE
The Menaechmi
The Menaechmi, written by Platus, is one of the most famous Roman comedy. Two brothers who who were separated at a young age are simultaneously in the same place without knowing the other is there. The two are kept apart throughout the play and are mistaken for each other multiple times. At the end of the play they meet each other and work out all of the trouble they caused (Brockett and Bell 81). -
5 BCE
Roman Tragedy
Although not as popular as their comedies, the Romans did write tragedies as well. Like the Greeks, Roman tragedies are based on myths but show importance on emotions and violence. The Roman desire for variety moved tragedy from the stage in a short period of time (Brockett and Bell 84). -
5
Hercules Furens
One of the few surviving Roman tragedies. Hercules Furens is written by Seneca, a Roman philosopher. Hercules' family is prepared for death as the mighty tyrant Lycus threatens to take over the city. His mom declares herself ready to die and buys some time for her family. Hercules returns from his work, hears of Lycus' plans, and kills him (Hercules Furens). -