NASARAWA STATE UNIVERSITY, KEFFI

FACULTY OF ART
DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE ART

HISTORY OF EUROPEAN DRAMA AND THEATRE FROM BEGINNING TO MEDIEVAL

[TCS210]

TOPIC:

WRITE SHORT NOTE ON HELLENISTIC PERIOD OF THEATRE

GROUP “G”

LECTURER:

AGATHA NWANYA

MAY, 2023
 GROUP MEMBERS DETAILS

S/N NAME MATRIC NO

1. KHAIRAT MOHAMMAD GBEGU 02200230159
2. DANJUMA AKUKI DANIEL 02200230160
3. GODWIN MARY TORCHIKI 02200230161
4. DEBORAH DANJUMA TUTA 02200230162
5. STEPHANIE EMMANUEL JAMU 02200230163
6. PAUL ABAKA OGU 02200230165
7. RICHARD IWAR AONDOAVER 02200230166
8. DANLADI JUBRIL HULEJI 02200230167
9. ISAH HANATU HASHIME 02200230168
10. REJOICE AGBONAVBARE 02200230169
11. TSAVBEE DONALD TERSAA 02200230170
12. SAMUEL PATRICK 02200230171
13. ENEMIGIN ONAH FAVOUR 02200230172
14. MADAKI LOVINA 02200230173
15. MAMU JAMES GAMBO 02200230176
16. VANESSA IGUDIA CHUKWUYEM 02200230177
17. STELLA OBADIA 02200230178
18. BLESSING KEHINDE OLABISI 02200230179
19. CHUN KWASSAU YUSUF 02200230180
20. JAMES AGBO ONUH 02200230181
SHORT NOTE ON HELLENISTIC PERIOD OF THEATRE

The Hellenistic period of theatre refers to the time period spanning from the death
of Alexander the Great in 323 BCE until the rise of the Roman Empire in 31 BCE.
During this time, Greek culture and theatre underwent significant changes, with a
shift towards a more diverse and eclectic style of performance

One of the most notable changes was the greater prevalence of comedy in Hellenistic
theatre, which had previously been dominated by tragedy. This was partly due to the
rise of the New Comedy genre, which focused on everyday domestic themes and
characters, in contrast to the more heroic and mythological themes of earlier
comedies.

At the same time, Hellenistic theatre also saw an increase in the use of music and
dance, leading to the development of new forms such as mime and pantomime. This
was fueled by the influence of eastern cultures, which introduced new instruments,
musical styles, and theatrical conventions.

Along with these changes in style, Hellenistic theatre also saw a shift towards greater
theatricality and spectacle, with elaborate sets, costumes, and effects appearing on
stage. This was partly due to advances in technology, such as the development of
hydraulic machinery, which allowed for more complex and impressive stagecraft.

Overall, the Hellenistic period of theatre was a time of innovation and

experimentation, as Greek theatre continued to evolve and adapt to new cultural
influences and artistic trends. While many of the changes seen during this time were
not sustained in later periods, they nevertheless laid the groundwork for future
developments in theatre history.
This period was marked by significant changes in Greek theatre, resulting in a
distinct style that differed from the Classical period that came before it. Some of the
distinctive features of the Hellenistic period of theatre are as follows:

1. Greater emphasis on comedy: While Greek theatre had traditionally been

dominated by tragedy, Hellenistic theatre saw a rise in the popularity of comedy.
This was due in part to the emergence of New Comedy, which focused on everyday
domestic themes and characters.

2. More theatricality and spectacle: Hellenistic theatre became more elaborate and
spectacular, with elaborate sets, costumes, and special effects becoming a common
feature of performances. This was made possible by the expansion of the theatre's
physical space, as well as advances in technology such as hydraulic machinery.

3. Greater use of music and dance: In Hellenistic theatre, music and dance were a
significant part of performances, with new forms such as mime and pantomime
emerging. This was influenced by eastern cultures, which introduced new musical
styles and conventions.

4. More diverse themes and characters: Hellenistic theatre explored a wide range of
themes and characters, moving beyond the traditional myths and heroes of Classical
Greek theatre. Plays began to cover current events, political satire, and other
contemporary topics.

5. More experimentation and innovation: Hellenistic theatre was characterized by a

sense of experimentation and innovation, as theatre practitioners explored new forms
and techniques. Theatre practitioners pushed the boundaries of traditional theatre,
leading to new forms such as pastoral drama.
 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the Hellenistic period of theatre was marked by a shift towards greater
theatricality and experimentation, as well as a more diverse range of themes and
characters. These features of Hellenistic theatre had a significant impact on theatre
practice, and continue to shape theatre today.

During the Hellenistic period, Greek Alturas influence and power reached its peak
in the Mediterranean and beyond. Prosperity in progress in arts, literature, theatre,
architecture, music mathematical and science characterize the era. The Hellenistic
period saw the rise of new comedy, Alexandrian, Poetry, translation efforts such as
the Septuagint, and the Philosophies of Stoicism, epicureanism, Pyrrhonist. The
religious sheer expanded to include new gods such as Attics and Cybele and a
Syncretism between Hellenistic Culture and Buddhism in Bacteria and North-West
India.

Also, Atheros Power declined following the Peloponnesian war and its theatrical
traditions seem to have lost their vitality. However Greek theatre continued into the
Hellenistic period following Alexander the Great’s conquest in the fourth century
BC. The primary Hellenistic theatrical form was New comedy. The only extant
playright from the period is Menander. One of the New comedy’s most important
contribution was its influence on Roman Comedy such as the surviving works of
Plautus and Terence.
 REFERENCES

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Arnold, Matthew (1869). "Chapter IV". Culture and Anarchy. Smith, Elder & Co.
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