- Originated during the Renaissance period (14th-17th century) in Europe, inspired by classical Greek and Roman literature.
- Often based on historical or mythological themes, drawing inspiration from ancient sources such as Sophocles, Euripides, and Seneca.
- Featured elaborate stagecraft, with detailed sets, costumes, and props.
- Characterized by a focus on rhetoric and language, using poetic verse and heightened speech.
- Employed various dramatic techniques such as soliloquies, asides, and choruses.
- Often explored universal human themes such as love, honor, betrayal, and the conflict between fate and free will.
Modern Drama:
- Refers to plays written in the late 19th century onwards, influenced by modernist and contemporary movements.
- Greater focus on realism and social commentary, addressing contemporary issues, societal problems, and the human condition.
- More experimental in terms of form, structure, and language, often departing from traditional dramatic conventions.
- Utilizes a wide range of dramatic styles, including realism, naturalism, absurdism, expressionism, and surrealism.
- Explores psychological depth and the inner lives of characters, delving into complex emotions and motivations.
- Often characterized by fragmented plots, nonlinear timelines, and multiple perspectives.
- Encourages audience introspection, analysis, and critical thinking about social and political realities.