History of Theater - The origins of Greek theatre lie in

the revels of the followers of Dionysus, a god of

fertility and wine. In keeping with the god’s special
interest, his cult ceremonies are exciting occasions.
His female devotees, in particular, dance themselves
into a state of frenzy. Carrying long phallic symbols,
known as thyrsoi , they tear to pieces and devour the
raw flesh of sacrificial animals.
• History of Roman – roman plays are performed on
festive occasions at the courts of Italian princes.
Perhaps they prove a little heavy going for some of
the guests. It becomes the custom to have rather
more lavish musical entertainments ( intermezzi or
intermediate pieces ) between the acts with
spectacular stage effects, beautiful costumes and
much singing and dancing.
• History of Italian- Occurred from 1550-1700.
the rapid economic growth in Italy during this
time made it possible for the more wealthy
citizens to indulge in alternate forms of
entertainment. Wealthy families such as the
medics began a system of patronage, in which
they would finance artists to produce art in
many form. Italian theatre used the plays of
ancient Greek and Roman theatre (dramas) as
well as mediaeval theatre (religious plays) as a
foundation. The main style used by theatre
groups in Italy during this period was called
comedic or comedic delegate.
• History of English Theatre – also known as early
modern english theatre or commonly as
Elizabethan theatre, refers to the theatre of
England between 1562 and 1642.
• This is the style of the plays of William
Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe and Ben
Jonson.
• English companies even toured and performed
English plays abroad e.g in Germany and in
Denmark.
• The first permanent English theatre the ‘red lion’
opened in 1567 but it was a short lived failure. The
first successful theatres, such as the theatre
opened in 1567.
History of Spanish Theatre – The Spanish
theatre was equal to England’s between 1585-
1642. But it fails to probe deeply into man’s
destiny. Spanish drama flourished in the 16th
and 17th centuries, like England but came to
different influences, Catholicism was able to
become secure in Spain while religious infighting
was rampant in the rest of Europe.
Influences of Spanish drama;
Moorish influence; women and honor
Christian influence; religious faith and doctrine.
• History of Renaissance Theatre – During the
late 15th and early 16th centuries was a time of
great change in society and theatre. Unlike
early theatre, which was restricted to the
wealthy nobility , during the renaissance in
England theaters became public veneus. All
social classes could come together and enjoy
performances.