1. Theatre History
The history of theatre can be divided into three broad categories namely ancient theatre, rebirth of theatre and development of theatre in 18th, 19th and 20th century.
1.1. Ancient Theatre
a) Greek Theatre
b) Roman Theatre
c) Medieval Theatre
Some people say that theatre died following the fall of the Roman Empire, and its memory was kept alive only in the performances of roving bands of jongleurs: street players, jugglers, acrobats and animal trainers.
However, while such troupes did help to maintain certain aspects of theatrical art, particularly that involving stock characters, the Church itself contributed to the preservation of theatre. It is ironic that the Church, which caused theatres to be outlawed as the Roman Empire declined and then fell, was one of the primary means of keeping theatre alive through the Middle Ages.
At first the plays were simple religious re-enactments played by priests in the sanctuary of the church. The dramas continued to grow, moving out of the sanctuary and into the open air in front of the Church. Ultimately, the members of town began to contribute to these dramas, which continued to grow more elaborate with time.
1.2. Rebirth of Theatre
a) Renaissance and Reformation
b) Elizabethan Theatre and Shakespeare
c) The Republic and the Restoration
1.3. Development of Theatre in 18th, 19th, and 20th Century
a) The Eighteenth Century
b) The Nineteenth Century
c) The Twentieth Century
1.4. Theatre in Pakistan
a) Indrasabha
b) Commercial Theatre
The arrival of commercial theatre in Lahore was in the early 1980s. The joint efforts of Naheed Khanum, Amanullah, Mastana and Baboo Baral ushered in the art the lively dialogues and innovative style was like a breath of fresh air for the citizens.
Unfortunately, commercial theatre is now in decline even though the number of theatergoers is steadily increasing. The general complaint in conservative circles is that commercial theatre is lowbrow and thrives on obscene dialogue and dances.
c) Alternative Theatre Groups
In Pakistan institutions such as Punjab Lok Rahs, Rafi Peer, Ajoka, and Interactive Resource Centre are promoting theatre art. The plays are focused on social issues and finding solution through art based development.
[1] For details see http://www.tctwebstage.com/oftheatre.htm
[2] For details see http://www.tctwebstage.com/shakspere.htm
[3] For details see http://www.tctwebstage.com/sincewill.htm
[4] For detail see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theatre_in_Pakistan
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