Here's why:
* Limited Evidence: We don't have detailed audience records or box office numbers from ancient Greece. The information we have comes from surviving plays, commentaries, and later historical accounts, which are often biased or incomplete.
* Popularity Fluctuated: A playwright's popularity could shift throughout their career and based on the specific play being performed.
* Competing Genres: There were different types of plays (tragedy, comedy, satyr plays) and audiences might have favored one genre over another.
* Individual Preferences: Just like today, people had different tastes. What one audience found compelling might not have resonated with another.
However, based on available information and some educated guesses, Aeschylus is often cited as the playwright who may have faced some initial resistance.
* His style was innovative: Aeschylus introduced new elements to tragedy, including a second actor (raising the number to three in total) and more complex dialogue. This might have been a challenge for audiences accustomed to the more simplistic earlier style.
* His themes were often somber and philosophical: His plays explored weighty topics like divine justice, fate, and the consequences of human actions. While these themes resonated with some, they might not have been as appealing to audiences seeking lighter entertainment.
It's important to remember that even if Aeschylus faced some initial resistance, he was ultimately a highly acclaimed and influential playwright, earning significant recognition during his lifetime and leaving a lasting legacy on Western theatre.