Student Online Resources: Theatre

  • Theatre

    Major Figures in Theater

    Drama and theater flourished because of influential figures in this field. Who are they? Read the sources below to get acquainted:

    • Thespis - According to ancient tradition, Thespis, a poet from 6th century BC, is believed to be the first actor in a Greek drama. Hailed as the inventor of tragedy in 534 BC, he is said to have introduced the prologue and internal speeches into plays. Read more about his role in the history of drama and theater.
    • Aeschylus - Described as the “father of tragedy,” this ancient Greek tragedian introduced numerous actors into a play, therefore increasing the amount of conflict. Although he wrote about 90 plays, only seven of them survive.
    • Aristophanes - This website explains that although this ancient Greek playwright is referred to as “the father of comedy,” the satire in his works may be more correctly regarded as slander.
    • William Shakespeare - Perhaps the best-known playwright around the world, Shakespeare has influenced theater and drama in many ways. From a unique dialogue to twists in the plot, learn how this major figure changed theater.
    • Alexander Ostrovsky - Ostrovsky, lauded as one of Russia’s best playwrights, introduced realism into playwriting.
    • Oscar Wilde - At a time when art passively reacted to current events, Wilde held the opposite view and incorporated social criticism into his plays. This source will explain how Wilde forever changed Victorian theater.
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