Whether it is an unsightly blemish within a modern landscape or an intriguing addition to a remote archaeological site, it is almost impossible to visit Greece without laying eyes on an ancient theater. Roughly 200 Greek theaters have survived to the present day in various states of preservation and alteration. They are strewn from Marseilles to Afghanistan, and from the Mediterranean coast of Africa to the Balkans. While the final stone remains can be dated with some certainty, it is nearly impossible to determine when these sites were first used for dramatic performances or what the original shape or materials may have been.
Many of these theaters have been adapted in order to accommodate the modern
productions that are performed in them. The addition of stage lighting and sound
systems is just one example of the many slight changes made in order to put
on a show for modern audiences. The way in which productions are put on today
requires these additions to the theater in order to enhance the performance.
Different performances require different types of venues. If the type of performance
changes, the ideal venue then changes too. Acting troupes modern and ancient
have been aware of this fact and therefore improve theaters to accommodate these
changes. Theaters were an extremely important part of ancient Greek society.
They primarily held dramatic performances, and as the dramas evolved, so did
the theaters in which they were held.
Orchestra»
Theatron»
Skene»
Mechanical
Apparatuses»
Bibliography»
Greek
Drama: A Historical Context