
19th-century drama
Nineteenth-century drama encompasses theatrical works from the 1800s that reflect social, political, and artistic changes of the era. It includes Romanticism’s emphasis on emotion and individualism, Realism’s focus on everyday life and ordinary people, and later movements like Naturalism and Symbolism. Plays often addressed societal issues such as class, morality, and human nature, and were performed in evolving theaters with new storytelling techniques. Influential playwrights include Victor Hugo, Henrik Ibsen, and Anton Chekhov. This period shaped modern theater by blending poetic language, complex characters, and social commentary, creating a rich legacy that continues to influence drama today.