Comedy and Tragedy
by David Smith
Title
Comedy and Tragedy
Artist
David Smith
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
A photograph of sculptures of the Greek comedy and tragedy figures, Thalia and Melpomene, depicted as clowns in a 1960's modern art style.
Once upon a time, in ancient Greece, there were two masks that became the symbols of theater - the comedy mask and the tragedy mask. These masks were not just pieces of art but were also significant symbols of the Greek theatrical culture.
The comedy mask, known as "Thalia," was designed with a smiling face and a wide-open mouth, expressing the emotions of joy and happiness. The tragedy mask, on the other hand, was known as "Melpomene," and was designed with a frowning face and a closed mouth, representing the feelings of sadness and sorrow. Together, these two masks represented the two fundamental emotions that every human experiences - happiness and sorrow.
In those days, theater was not just entertainment, but it was a means to educate people on various social, moral, and political issues. The comedy and tragedy masks played a significant role in conveying the message of the plays to the audience.
The comedy mask was used in plays that dealt with light-hearted and humorous themes. These plays aimed to entertain the audience and make them laugh. The actors wearing the comedy mask would perform in a funny and exaggerated manner, making the audience laugh at their comical antics.
The tragedy mask, on the other hand, was used in plays that dealt with serious and intense themes. These plays aimed to evoke emotions of sadness, sorrow, and empathy from the audience. The actors wearing the tragedy mask would perform in a serious and realistic manner, making the audience feel the pain and suffering of the characters.
Over time, the use of the comedy and tragedy masks spread to other parts of the world, and they became symbols of theater globally. They are still used today in many forms of theater, including plays, operas, and movies. The masks have become so iconic that they have been used in various fields such as literature, art, and even in popular culture.
In conclusion, the comedy and tragedy masks have played a significant role in the history of theater. They have been a source of inspiration for many artists, and they continue to be an essential part of the theatrical tradition. These masks are a testament to the fact that emotions are an integral part of the human experience, and theater is a powerful medium to express them.
Uploaded
April 12th, 2018
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