The Roots of Theatre

 According to Greek tradition, the very first truly theatrical performance was that of the poet Thespis at the first Dionysia to be held in Athens. Part of the celebration in honour of the god Dionysus, spread over several days, was a set of performances with a prize going to the best (yes, actors were hungry for Award Ceremonies from the get-go). Thespis stood up as the first act at the first such festival and recited a dithyrambic poem of his own composition. This style of poem recounted a myth, though it is unknown to all except a certain time travelling Doctor which sacred drama Thespis based his work on (though I have suggested a likely possibility in the story recorded below). There was nothing unusual in reciting poetry, but the innovation that Thespis brought was to have sections of his opus magnum written in the voices of the various figures in the myth and then don suitable masks and costumes to act out the parts.

Thespis speaks to the power of masks - as Jung said, give a man a mask and you will see his true self revealed. If only I had the energy and were capable of inspiring the requisite enthusiasm in others, I would love to revive a Dionysia, both the parade and the theatrical contest. A dream for another life, perhaps.

The story of the decision off the people of Eleutherae and the curse upon the men of Athens is purportedly true, if a little embellished with storyteller's license. 



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