Curated category
Ancient Greek theatre
- ProtagonistThe word protagonist arrives from ancient Greek roots meaning first and actor. It combines the prefix proto- with the noun agonistes.
- TragedyIn the 6th century BCE, Athenian tragedy emerged as a dance-drama form during an annual state religious festival honoring Dionysus.
- TragicomedyThe Roman comic playwright Plautus coined the term tragicomoedia in Latin during the prologue to his play Amphitryon. He used the word somewhat facetiously…
- Odeon (building)The ancient Greek word odeon comes from the verb aeidein, which means I sing. This same root creates the words ode and aoidos for singer.
- Theatre of ancient GreeceThe word tragedy comes from two Greek terms meaning goat and song, linking the art form to ancient Dionysian cult rituals.