Theatre comprises of performances that are live and narrate a story that can either be fictional or realistic. It is a type of performance art that originated around the 5th Century BCE. The performers communicate to their audience using speech, gestures, music, dance and facial expressions. Make up and accessories are used in order to enhance their appearance and make it fit the character they are portraying. Plays and musicals are categorized under theatre.
The four main types of theatre are drama, tragedy, musicals and comedy. Drama involves presenting fiction to the audience. The term drama began being used in reference to a particular type of play in the 19th century. The type refers to plays that are neither tragedies nor comedies. Musical theatre combines music and sometimes dance in order to tell a story.
Musicals almost always include some sort of spectacle. This can be in the form of elaborate costumes, props or sets. Tragedy is a specific genre in theatre that has been important throughout history. The themes in tragedy revolve around loss, death and suffering. Comedies use humor as a major part of the narrative. Sometimes, performances include subjects that are controversial or taboo put forth humorously; this is known as black comedy.
Several theories have evolved around theatre. These hold spiritual, political or artist's point of views. A few of these theories perceive theatre as an event, while some look upon it as a catalyst for social reform. Whatever the purpose, theatre is a means of mass communication. It may be used as a powerful tool or solely for entertainment. | 
