This paper discusses the use of theater to reinforce religious beliefs and the cultural values of a society.
This paper, which traces the history of theater and religion, explains that the influences of religion on theater were phenomenal because the theater consistently has reflected the changes in content and ideology of the society’s popular religions. The author points out that the Greek dramas and plays, like those in other civilizations, were designed to honor their Gods, and these were considered more a religious ritual than any work of art. The paper relates that the dramas were the only form of media that could reach out to the masses, who were illiterate and could not afford books or written manuscripts.
The Egyptian ceremony soon evolved into the Drama in Greece, which was called as the tragedy mainly because the name was derived from the goatskins that the actors wore in the drama. The theme of the drama, which were judged by eminent judges always centered on mythological themes because it was easy for the common folks to understand them. However, many variations were allowed in these tragedies and the individual poets were allowed to improvise. Although variations were allowed in content, they often did not trespass the religious content that became its characteristic quality.