Drama evolved from its earliest ritualistic forms, transitioning through the worship of gods to focus on moral lessons.
Based on the provided reference, the evolution of drama can be summarized as follows:
Early Stages: Ritual and Worship
The beginnings of drama were deeply intertwined with ritual.
- Primitive Theatre: It started with the ritualistic nature of primitive theatre. These early performances were likely connected to community ceremonies or practices.
- Greek Theatre: This ritualistic tendency continued into the era of Greek drama. It evolved further through the ritual worship of the Greek gods. Greek plays often originated from festivals honoring deities, particularly Dionysus.
The Shift in the Middle Ages
A significant change occurred during the Middle Ages, shifting drama away from its primary ritualistic foundation.
- Christian Church Influence: During this period, the Christian Church insisted on morality plays.
- Morality Plays: These plays had a specific purpose: they were designed to show godly heroes overcoming evil. This reflected a didactic aim, using theatre to teach moral and religious lessons to the populace.
This progression illustrates a movement from communal ritual and divine worship towards narrative forms centered on moral instruction, as driven by institutional influence.
Here's a quick look at this path:
| Period | Key Characteristic | Driving Force (as per reference) |
|---|---|---|
| Primitive Theatre | Ritualistic Nature | Inherently Ritualistic |
| Greek Theatre | Ritual Worship of Gods | Religious Worship |
| Middle Ages | Morality Plays (Godly heroes overcoming evil) | Christian Church |
In essence, drama's journey, according to this perspective, moved from its roots in ritual and worship towards becoming a tool for moral and religious education.
