• In classical Athens, the theatre adjoined a sacred precinct and plays were an quintessential part of religious and civic festivals. Moral, political and religious issues played an essential part of the theatre.
• In 17th century Paris, power and authority were strongly reflected in the theatre of the day which was closely affliated with the court of Louis XIV.
• In the USA today much of the theatre takes place in colleges and universities or in the Ôtheatre districts' of larger cities.
• The Mystery plays of Medieval times communicated the moral and religious messages of the day.They were predominately performed by guilds and were considered vital for teaching the Bible to the illiterate masses. They were performed in town squares or on the back of wagons.
• The theatre of Brecht (the language of the didactic) aimed to educate theatre goers about social and political issues and embraced the ideals of socialism and Marxism. In many ways, Brecht aims was not to entertain but to challenge and provoke. some form of change in the minds of the audience. It is not unusual to see this kind of theatre performed in the streets.
• In feudal Japan, the Buddhists used theatre to exemplify their faith and discipline.
• The Commedia Dell'Arte which began in Italy in the 16th century was a satirical and comedic form of theatre which often commented on the varying provinces of Italy and the differing classes of these regions.

Drama and theatre has changed in accordance with changes in philosophical and ideological thought in society. Some categories which exist today are: art versus entertainment ; popular versus classic; literary versus theatrical.