Drama Term Tuesday #2

The Valley of the Kings. Photo by Robin Pascoe.

This weeks Drama Term Tuesday is inspired by Robin Pascoe’s recent trip to Egypt to attend the World Alliance for Arts Education Summit.

Egyptian Drama

Has its origins in coronation rituals in the early Dynastic Period (3100 - 2686 BC) with key elements of enactment and dialogue. In the Old Kingdom (2686 - 2181 BC) ritual drama explored mysteries of creation, life and death and the con flight between good and evil.

On ascending the throne, every King of Egypt became Horus, on of Osiris and Isis, and the story was enacted during annual festivals. By the time of the Middle Kingdom (2133 - 1786 BC) there is evidence of a civilisation of frequent holidays, ceremonies, parades, amusements, music and celebrations. Osiris plays continued into the Christian era.

The Valley of the Kings. Photo by Robin Pascoe

Later Egyptian drama reflected the conquerors from Greece and Rome.

Some extant fragments of Egyptian drama include:

• The Triumph of Horus

• The Memphite Drama

• The Abydos Passion Play

• Books of the Dead

Excerpt from Drama Key Terms and Concepts