William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe and Ben Johnson are names that have resonated through the centuries. Not since ancient Athens has there been such a glut of talent, producing stories for the ages. Is Athens perhaps, where these English found their inspiration? Greece has produced its share of legendary playwrights; Sophocles and Euripides are two of the most famous. Elizabethan England gave birth to some of the most famous names in theater. While similarities between Elizabethan theater and Greek theater exist, there are differences. The influence of both eras is still felt today, with stage productions of Shakespeare and Euripides performed from London to Broadway and everywhere in between. I believe both eras influenced modern theater simply because Greek theater so obviously influenced Elizabethan theater. The name most associated with excellence in theater is William Shakespeare. His plays, more than any other playwright, resonate through the ages. It is safe to say that he has influenced more actors, directors and playwrights than any actor in the history of the stage. But what were his influences? During the Middle Ages, theater was dominated by morality, miracle and mystery plays which were often staged by the Church as a means of teaching Christianity to the illiterate masses. It was only at the beginning of the 16th century that Greek tragedy experienced a revival, in turn inspiring a generation of Renaissance playwrights. Greek and Elizabethan theater, although similar in some respects, had some major differences. The Greeks believed in a certain thematic unity, which prevailed throughout the production. Greek plays were often drawn from myths or had historical significance, so it seems that only in the middle of a paper, to stagnate is to die. I think it's unfair to ask which era was more influential. Instead, we should ask how each era has influenced the modern era. Without either of these eras, theater would be a very different arena today. However, from a personal point of view, I would have to say that the Elizabethan era has meant the most to me over the years. William Shakespeare, Kit Marlowe and Thomas Middleton have all had an effect on the way I write, on the way I tell a story. While the language may have changed, the fact that we look into our own hearts to try to find the truth behind our existence has not. And even if we don't always succeed, it makes the world a little brighter, to have those moments when someone can tell you a story that captivates you so much that you're able to leave the mundane world behind for a while and drift into a world of imagination..