- The origin of drama and acting can be traced back to ancient Greece, where the first recorded dramatic performances took place in the 6th century BC.
- Thespis is credited as the first actor, who stepped out of the chorus in a Greek tragedy and engaged in dialogue with the chorus leader.
- Thespis' introduction of the actor marked the beginning of the tradition of dramatic performances with individual characters.
Indian Subcontinent
- In the Indian subcontinent, the origins of drama and acting date back to the ancient Sanskrit drama, which developed around the 4th century BC.
- The Sanskrit drama, known as Natya Shastra, codified the principles of drama, acting, and dance, and influenced later theatrical traditions in India and Southeast Asia.
- The Indian tradition emphasized the importance of gesture, movement, and music in theatrical performances.
China
- In China, the origins of drama and acting can be traced back to ancient religious rituals and folk performances.
- The earliest recorded forms of Chinese drama date from the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD), with the development of the zaju genre.
- Chinese drama featured elaborate costumes, masks, and acrobatics, and focused on themes of history, mythology, and daily life.