Greek Theatre
ORIGIN OF DRAMA IN GREECE The civilization of ancient Greece has had a lasting impact on the world. Drama which was an important expression of Greek culture and thought, has been a powerful influence on European literature and theatre. In fact, we have to go to ancient Greece to discover the roots of European drama. DIONYSIAN FESTIVAL Tragedy had its origin in the religious ritual of ancient Greece. Every spring the Greeks celebrated the festival of Dionysus , god of wine and fertility and the life-spirit of all vegetation. Dionysus was the son of Zeus, the ruler of all Olympian gods. The fascinating story of his birth was very much loved by the Greeks. It goes that when Dionysus was in the womb, his mother- a mortal named Semele- was consumed by fire. Zeus took the child from her womb and held him in his own thigh till in the fullness of time, Dionysus was born. This story and other legends about Dionysus were sung during the spring festival that paid homage to this god. ...