Ancient drama

Ancient drama refers to theatrical performances from ancient civilizations, especially Greece and Rome, where stories about gods, heroes, and moral lessons were performed publicly. These plays often combined dialogue, music, and movement to explore human experiences, struggles, and societal values. Greek drama, for example, included tragedies and comedies performed during festivals in open-air amphitheaters, serving both entertainment and religious or political functions. Roman drama adapted earlier Greek themes, focusing on entertainment and social critique. These early theatrical forms laid the groundwork for Western theatre, emphasizing storytelling, complex characters, and moral questions that still influence the arts today.