Theatre & Ethics: Greek Comedy & Tragedy

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on the dichotomy of comedy and tragedy in Classical Greek theatre, questioning whether these two genres encompass all modes of human life. Participants highlight that while Classical theatre addressed various life stages and themes, modern theatre has expanded to include diverse forms of expression, reflecting contemporary societal issues. The conversation also touches on the relevance of ethics and ethos in theatre, suggesting a deeper connection between these concepts and the art form. Ultimately, the discussion emphasizes the evolution of theatre from its classical roots to its current multifaceted nature.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Classical Greek theatre and its genres
  • Familiarity with the concepts of comedy and tragedy
  • Knowledge of modern theatrical forms and their societal reflections
  • Basic grasp of ethics and ethos in the context of art
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the evolution of theatre from Classical Greece to modern times
  • Explore the role of ethics and ethos in contemporary theatre
  • Study Shakespeare's contributions to comedy, tragedy, and history in theatre
  • Investigate the impact of societal issues on modern theatrical productions
USEFUL FOR

The discussion is beneficial for theatre scholars, students of drama, and anyone interested in the philosophical implications of art and its reflection of human experience.

Gear300
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Not sure if this is the best way to ask, but the Classical Greeks put theatre and life between comedy and tragedy. Does theatre accommodate other modes of human life?, or are those two the 'essential two'? (This was an essay question I had no answer to.)
 
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Gear300 said:
Not sure if this is the best way to ask, but the Classical Greeks put theatre and life between comedy and tragedy. Does theatre accommodate other modes of human life?, or are those two the 'essential two'? (This was an essay question I had no answer to.)
Not sure I understand your post. Does 'modes of human life' refer to life stages? Classical theater includes youth, adulthood, old age and afterlife; i.e., ghosts. The peripetia invariably revolves around human mortality. Death may strike at any stage of life but becomes certain in old age.
 
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Not sure I know either. I once had a professor who had it in his every intention to teach Galois theory in our group algebra course. We covered finite group algebras and a bit of polynomial fields, but then he got caught in divorce at the end of the semester and there wasn't much after. Although he did manage to give us an introduction to Évariste Galois' biography, and told us that if he had managed to survive his duel, then his life would have been a comedy thereafter. And that was all we took from him. (Useless algebra 😤)
 
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@Gear300, Did you mean ethos rather than ethics? This seems more relevant to theater.
 
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Gear300 said:
Not sure if this is the best way to ask, but the Classical Greeks put theatre and life between comedy and tragedy. Does theatre accommodate other modes of human life?, or are those two the 'essential two'? (This was an essay question I had no answer to.)
Theatre accommodates everything today. Plays and musicals are an art form.
Shakespeare did comedy, tragedy and history.
400 years later? Pretty much everything, theatre reflects what is going on in the world and musicals also do that.
For me? Art has to beautiful and entertaining.
If I have to read a book on Kant or Chomsky before I go to the play I am not interested.
 
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Gear300 said:
(This was an essay question I had no answer to.)
First question that comes to mind is, what course contained this essay question?
 

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