Western Theatre History

Home
About Us
Site Map
Ancient Greece
Ancient Rome
Middle Ages
Spanish Golden Age
French Neoclassicism
English Restoration
Ask a Librarian!
Greek Plays You Should Read
(at least once)
Oedipus Rex
Sophocles
 
If you are studying theatre, or literature, or if you belong to the human race and have not read this play, that's enough of a reason to do so immediately.  If simply living a more fulfilling life isn't enough of a reason for you, then here are some academic ones:
The exploration of fate is unparalleled in any play written since
Reading this play gives you a more complete sense of the structure of Greek tragedy
You will learn about a Greek myth
It raises multiple psychological and philosophical questions
If you ever work in theatre I promise that someone, at some point will mention this play.
Excellent exposition

Antigone
Sophocles
 
A story about Oedipus' daughter, Antigone (I told you, you should have read Oedipus)
Great example of crisis Drama
Strong female character
A play about moral dilemmas and making choices
Great use of the chorus
More great Sophocles exposition

Medea
Euripides
 
As the underdog of Greek tragedy he was often criticized, but there are many reasons we study his work today:
Exploration of psychology
Sympathetic portrayal of women
Questionable treatment of gods
Aspects of Euripides' works are imitated throughout the rest of theatre history.
 
Lysistrata
Aristophanes
 
The only comedies we have from the fifth century are by Aristophanes.  We can learn all about Old Comedy by reading his plays.
You will learn about history and politics, because Aristophanes comments on contemporary society
Happy ending
There is a positive central theme
Excellent example of why large phalluses were needed as costume pieces

Agamemnon, The Choephori, and The Eumenides
Aeschylus
 
A great example of a tetralogy, these plays would be performed together at dramatic festivals and had a common plot or theme.
Aeschylus was the first to have two actors
The play is written with superb poetry
His plays are on a much grander theatrical scale involving a lot of spectacle
Explores philosophical issues different than those of the other tragic playwrights