When was Greek Theatre created?



6th century BCE6th century BCE in Athens with the performance of tragedy plays at religious festivals. These, in turn, inspired the genre of Greek comedy plays. The two types of Greek drama would be hugely popular and performances spread around the Mediterranean and influenced Hellenistic and Roman theatre.

When did Greek Theatre begin and end?

The theatre of Ancient Greece flourished between 550 BC and 220 BC. A festival honouring the god Dionysus was held in Athens, out of which three dramatic genres emerged: tragedy, comedy and the satyr play.

Where was Greek Theatre created?

Athens





The first plays were performed in the Theatre of Dionysus, built in the shadow of the Acropolis in Athens at the beginning of the 5th century, but theatres proved to be so popular they soon spread all over Greece.

How was Greek Theatre created?

The Origins of Greek Theatre

Greek theatre had its beginnings in various religious festivals throughout the Greek world honoring the Greek gods described in Greek mythology. These festivals featured the performance of songs and dances by groups of men and boys called a chorus.

Who invented Greek Theatre?

Thespis





According to ancient tradition, Thespis was the first actor in Greek drama. He was often called the inventor of tragedy, and his name was recorded as the first to stage a tragedy at the Great (or City) Dionysia (c. 534 bc).

When was theatre created?

6th century BC

In the 6th century BC a priest of Dionysus, by the name of Thespis, introduces a new element which can validly be seen as the birth of theatre.

Who was the first actor in Greek theatre?

Thespis



According to tradition, in 534 or 535 BC, Thespis astounded audiences by leaping on to the back of a wooden cart and reciting poetry as if he was the characters whose lines he was reading. In doing so he became the world’s first actor, and it is from him that we get the world thespian.

What was a Greek theatre called?

The huge outdoor performance spaces of ancient Greek theatre were known as amphitheatres. The Greeks called them “theatrons”, or “seeing places”. They were capable of seating between 15,000 and 20,000 spectators.

Why is Greek theatre important?

The fact that every Greek city of any size had a theatre and sometimes more than one ( Attica had several) is an indication of their importance to the community. The theatre offered an experience which brought together elements of myth, ritual, religion, dance, music and literature.