Final answer:
The common element found in Shamanism, Traditional African Drama, and Greek drama is the enactment of characters and events, which often involved the use of masks in performances. These dramatic traditions share a focus on the ceremonial origins of theatre, incorporating music, dance, and a strong communal spirit.
Step-by-step explanation:
The common element found in Shamanism, Traditional African Drama, and Greek drama is the use of enactment or impersonation, often facilitated through tools like masks. This form of representation involves actors who imitate persons and events, which is central to the genre of drama. Ruth Finnegan and other scholars note that Greek drama originated from the worship of Dionysus and involved significant enactments during festivals, which evolved into more complex performances with dialogue, plots, and elaborate settings as seen in Athenian festivals where plays were performed as part of civic duties.
Drama in different cultures has developed from religious rituals or communal celebrations into intricate forms of theatrical expression. For instance, Greek drama grew from the dithyrambs sung in honor of Dionysus, and with time included choreographed performances that became an integral part of Hellenic culture, leading to competitions in festivals like the City Dionysia. Language played a significant role in Greek dramas with the use of rhythmic verse, underscoring both melody and dialogue in tragic and comedic forms.
Similarities in Shamanism, African, and Greek Drama
Each of these drama traditions places a strong emphasis on the communal and ceremonial origins of theatre, with elements of music, dance, and impersonation playing crucial roles in the conveyance of stories and emotions. The importance of masks, festivals, and enactments points to a shared theatrical heritage that transcends individual cultures, hinting at the universal human need for storytelling and representation through performance.