- published: 03 Jun 2010
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The history of theatre charts the development of theatre over the past 2,500 years. While performative elements are present in every society, it is customary to acknowledge a distinction between theatre as an art form and entertainment and theatrical or performative elements in other activities. The history of theatre is primarily concerned with the origin and subsequent development of the theatre as an autonomous activity. Since classical Athens in the 6th century BCE, vibrant traditions of theatre have flourished in cultures across the world.
Theatre probably arose as a performance of ritual activities that did not require initiation on the part of the spectator. This similarity of early theatre to ritual is negatively attested by Aristotle, who in his Poetics defined theatre in contrast to the performances of sacred mysteries: theatre did not require the spectator to fast, drink the kykeon, or march in a procession; however theatre did resemble the sacred mysteries in the sense that it brought purification and healing to the spectator by means of a vision, the theama. The physical location of such performances was accordingly named theatron.
History of Theatre 1 - From Ritual to Theatre (Subtitles: English, Español, Dutch)
Theatre History Timeline
History of Theatre 4 - From Greek to Roman Theater Architecture (Subtitles: English and Español)
History of Theatre 2 - Development of Classical Greek Tragedy (Subtitles: English and Español)
Brief history of theatre Pt 1
History of Theatre 5 - The Illusion Illustrated, Teatro Olimpico, Vicenza and Sabbioneta (Eng. Esp.)
Stage Right of Britain: A History of Theatre in America
History of Theatre 6 - The Framing of the Illusion (English and Español)
History of Theatre 3 - From Satyr Play to Comedy (Subtitles: English and Español)
History & Development of Musical Theater
History of Theatre 8 - From Palace to Public House (cc's English, Español)
An Introduction to Greek Theatre
History of Theatre 7 - The Arched Spectacle / Teatro Farnese (cc's: English, Español)
Medieval Theatre