In The Humanities: Culture, Continuity, and Change, Henry M. Sayre explores the philosophical and cultural significance of Plato’s Republic and The Theater of the People, highlighting their lasting impact on Western performance traditions. Plato’s Republic and the Role of Art, Plato was highly skeptical of art and theater, believing they appealed to emotions rather than reason. In The Republic, he suggested that poets and dramatists should be censored because their works could mislead citizens by promoting illusion over truth. This reflects his broader philosophy that society should be governed by rational thought rather than artistic influence. Theater as a Reflection of Democracy, while Plato criticized theater, Athenian drama was deeply tied to the democratic process. Tragedies and comedies provided a forum for public discourse, allowing citizens to engage with moral, political, and social dilemmas. Greek theater served as both entertainment and a means of civic education. The Role of the Chorus in Greek Theatre, A key element of Greek drama, the chorus functioned as a bridge between the audience and the narrative, offering commentary, moral insight, and reflections on the events of the play. This feature emphasized collective values and reinforced the philosophical and ethical lessons embedded in Greek tragedies and comedies. Theater as a “People’s Art”, Sayre emphasizes how theater has historically served as a medium for the people, reflecting societal struggles, political conflicts, and cultural identity. From Greek tragedies to Roman spectacles and modern performance art, theater has provided a space for storytelling that resonates with collective human experiences., The Lasting Influence of Greek Theatre on Western Culture, The structure of Greek drama, including elements such as the skene (stage backdrop), the orchestra (performance space), and the use of stock characters, has shaped the development of later European theatrical traditions. These foundational aspects continue to influence contemporary theater, film, and narrative storytelling.
Discussion question
I think that remaking an original opera is moreso good than bad. I think bringing a piece that had meaning back then can still have a meaningful viewing experience today. Modernizing it may help reach more people and have it potentially be more appealing. The only concern I think I’d have is that the meaning might get lost in translation with all of the updates when made in a contemporary setting.
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