Timeline by

7th century BCE

rgibney — 2025-09-18 20:15:18 UTC

Worshippers lofted a giant phallus and sang songs called Dithyrambs in praise. Eventually, Dithyrambs evolved into theater.

1800s

rgibney — 2025-09-18 20:19:05 UTC

Realism began in the 1800s and this included the introduction of realistic dialogue within theatre.

1890s

rgibney — 2025-09-18 20:20:32 UTC

Vaudeville shows were America's most popular entertainment.

1879

rgibney — 2025-09-18 20:23:05 UTC

Henrik Ibsen writes the play the "Doll's House" and this is where the transition from melodrama to realism is really portrayed.

1550-1750

rgibney — 2025-09-18 21:18:01 UTC

Commedia dell' Arte, Renaissance Italy. This type of theatre used universal comedy and traveled around the world improvising their comedy. They used jokes in their shows that everyone around the world could find funny.

1400s-1500s

rgibney — 2025-09-29 00:36:31 UTC

Morality plays are medieval dramas that grew out of religious mystery plays. They were meant to teach Christian morals.

After 1660s till late 1700s

rgibney — 2025-09-29 00:46:26 UTC

Restoration Comedy began after King Charles II restored the monarchy and lifted the Puritan ban on theatre in England. These plays were witty and scandalous and often mocked upperclassman.

1940/1950s

rgibney — 2025-09-29 01:02:33 UTC

The Theatre of Absurd happened from the despair of World War II. They were trying to present existential ideas from philosophers like Albert Camus and Jean Paul's satire. They suggested that life had no meaning and communication often failed

1953

rgibney — 2025-09-29 01:05:04 UTC

A play during the time of the Theatre of Absurd would be Samuel Becketts "Waiting for the Godot". Two tramps wait endlessly for a mysterious godot who never shows up.

1495

rgibney — 2025-09-29 01:11:06 UTC

One of the best known morality plays is called "Everyman" from medieval Europe. This play was for entertainment and religious purposes.

1700

rgibney — 2025-09-29 01:16:18 UTC

An example of a play from the restoration comedy era would be "The Way of the World" by William Congreve. This play includes witty dialogue, romantic entanglements, and the theme of hypocrisy.

1599

rgibney — 2025-09-29 03:00:36 UTC

Shakespeares playing company built the Globe Theatre in London. This became the primary venue for many of Shakespeares play. This is one of the most famous theaters of the Elizabethan/Shakespearean era.

1595

rgibney — 2025-09-29 03:04:04 UTC

A famous tragedy written by Shakespeare was Romeo and Juliet. This became a defining work of the shakespearean era.

1576

rgibney — 2025-09-29 03:11:50 UTC

Englands first permanent playhouse was built by actor and entrepreneur James Burbage. This was a major turning point during Elizabeths I reign.

1921

rgibney — 2025-09-29 03:16:26 UTC

The musical revue "Shuffle Along" premiered on Broadway. This had become one of the first major hits written and performed entirely by African Americans during the Harlem Renaissance.

1920s-1930s

rgibney — 2025-09-30 01:42:23 UTC

The Harlem Renaissance bloomed in Harlem, New York. This time was the rise of black playwrights and performers and they shared plays that explored African American identity, culture, and racial struggles.

1920s-1930s

rgibney — 2025-09-30 01:50:55 UTC

Brecht/ epic theatre was conceived by Bertolt Brecht in 1920s and 1930s in Germany. This sought to transform theatre into social critique.

1920s-1930s

rgibney — 2025-09-30 01:54:10 UTC

The impact of Brecht/ epic theatre was that it influenced documentary, verbatim, and activist theatre. This continues to inspire politically engaged artists worldwide.

1939

rgibney — 2025-09-30 01:58:08 UTC

A play that is central work of epic theatre is "Mother Courage and Her Children" by Bertolt Brecht. The purpose of this play was so viewers could think critically about war, capitalism, and human suffering.

1660

rgibney — 2025-09-30 02:08:36 UTC

For the first time in English history, women were legally allowed to perform on stage.