Greek comedy
Ancient Greek comedy means something to us, because as Abbott and Costello would tell us, it’s the basis of our own comedy. On the inset vase depiction from ca. 330 BC, two comic actors ham it up on an elevated stage.
The Greek playwright, Aristophanes (ca. 450 - 385 BC), is all but unrivalled in the invention of comic situations: in parody, in satire, in wit, and in downright farce. When we watch funny movies or television situation comedies, that’s what we still want—parody, satire, wit, and farce. In many of Aristophanes’ farcical scenes, a main personage of the play puts up with odd associates and puts to flight unwelcome visitors. Isn’t that the plot of just about every Seinfeld episode?
The ancient Greeks were also into comic word play. By the way, I meant to tell you that our dental hygienist retired after twenty years on the job. Do you know what they gave her in recognition? A little plaque!
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