The Great Plays

Whatever the period, Western Civilization's greatest plays have the following in common:

Serious themes
Simple sets
Great costumes
Heightened language
Complicated plots
Death (Drama) or Marriage (Comedy)
Popular appeal
Profit

The great plays have survived the test of time. They survive because they are loved. Hamlet has endured not because it is true, but because it's true and entertaining.

Greatness requires both.