Phrynichus (lived late 6th–early 5th century BC)

Athenian tragic poet, probably a disciple of Thespis, who produced his first play in 511 BC. He was the first to use female masks, that is, to introduce female characters. Aristophanes attacks him in The Frogs for the use of low buffoonery. Eleven titles, including those of the comedies ‘Muses’ and ‘Solitary’, and 100 fragments, have survived.

Herodotus relates that when his Capture of Miletus was exhibited, the audience was moved to tears, that the author was fined 1,000 drachmae, and that a law was passed forbidding the play ever to be shown again.