A-Z: General definitions: Neo-classical tragedy

Definition

Literally a new or revived form of ancient Greek tragedy. The three Unities of action, time and place were originally defined and used in classical Greek theatre as follows:
• the plot must have a logical consistency
• the action must be completed within a span of twenty-four hours
• the events must occur in a single location
In addition:
• violent events can only happen offstage
• the vocabulary is limited, with frequently repeated poetic phrases
• there is no vulgarity