Final answer:
Plays with lasting significance often address the human condition, exploring ethical dilemmas and personal responsibility. Over time, the focus has shifted from nobility to common people, making theater more relatable and reflective of shared human experiences.
Step-by-step explanation:
Plays with lasting significance make an important statement about the human condition. This is exemplified in both tragedy and comedy throughout the history of drama, from ancient Greek plays that center on human beings and their ethical choices to modern dramas that depict common people in relatable situations. Greek drama is particularly notable for introducing theater as a means to entertain and inform through the acting out of stories, exploring themes of personal responsibility, fate, and the human psyche's frailties.
Tragedy, as a genre, typically revolves around powerful characters faced with ethical dilemmas, often leading to their downfall due to a character flaw or circumstances beyond their control. However, as styles evolved, playwrights like Henrik Ibsen and Arthur Miller brought new life to the form by focusing on ordinary people and their challenges, making the experiences more immediate to the audience. Despite changes in style and setting, the enduring power of theater stems from its ability to reflect and comment on the human experience, engaging audiences through shared stories and emotional connections.