Of Tragedies & Comedies

A new year, a new semester, a new course.

This blog is an on-line assignment for a course, EDU 3217 - Teaching the Language of Drama, which I am taking this semester. I am aware of the fact that it is becoming increasingly popular for teachers and educators to advocate the integration of computers and other forms of technology into the classroom. Blogging is something which I am familiar with, but blogging as an assignment which will be evaluated is something new and pretty intimidating for me. Nevertheless, it is an exciting challenge which I look forward too. And to my coursemates who are still new to the blogosphere, a warm welcome to all!

For the 1st lecture of this course, we were introduced to the Development of Theatre. The earlier plays during the Grecian and Roman era, consisted of 2 different genre - tragedy and comedy. Among the 2 eras, the Greek theatre was the most influential and popular. The Roman theatre also had its own share of fame, but it soon declined because of the change of form that theatre took - it became a violent and bloody sport. The emergence of a new religion - Christianity, also accounted for the decline of the Roman theatre. This paved the way for the rise of morality plays and Elizabethan drama (Medieval Theatre). It was also during this period that some of the world's most famous playwrights were introduced - William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, Ben Jonson, and John Middleton, to name a few. This was followed by the Restoration Theatre which catered mainly for the Court society.

Today's lecture is definitely and eye-opener for me. I must say, it is saddening that most Malaysian students from all levels aren't exposed to theatre and arts. I myself, have never been to one before. Therefore, I found myself to be very intrigued by Dr. Edwin's lecture and what he had to share with us about theatre. Though this is only the 1st lecture for this course, being an ignorant person in the world of theatre and arts, I've definitely learned a lot (and I mean A LOT) about theatre during the 2-hour lecture with Dr. Edwin (crash course on theatre for dummies) :P

Am looking forward to the many lectures to come and the wonderful new things to learn. Hope that all of you coursemates share the same enthusiasm and excitement for this course too. Looking forward to reading and commenting your blogs. Till then, happy blogging :)