Famous Stages of Theatre History
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Famous Stages of Theatre History
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Information
Built: 6th century BC
Location: southern slope of the Acropolis, Athens, Greece
Capacity: 17 thousand
The chorus performed on a circular area called the orchestra.
Seats around the chorus, reserved for wealthy citizens.
Theatre of Dionysus (Athens)
The open-air theatre found on the southern slope of the Acropolis in Athens was used for this purpose and thus it is known as the Theatre of Dionysos. According to various sources, the first drama was performed here in about 534 BC, the year is therefore often considered the dawn of the theatre. Later many great works of legendary Hellenistic authors were performed in the theatre.
Dionysus
Dionysus, the Olympian god, is known as the god of grapes, wine, intoxication and fertility. But in ancient Greece, he was also worshipped as the patron of the theatre.
Backstage
The area behind the stage was used for storing costumes, masks and accessories. It also made it possible to go from one end of the building to the other.
The horseshoe-shaped auditorium encircled the orchestra. Seats were initially made of timber, and later of stone tiles, or carved from rock. The tiered auditorium was designed this way so that spectators could hear the play perfectly even in the back rows.
Actors
Only men could perform in the Ancient Greek theatre, so female roles were also played by young men or boys. Actors wore platform shoes during performances, in order to be more visible for the audience.
Masks
Emotions were expressed using masks, since actors’ facial expressions could not be seen by the audience due to the great distance.
The Theatre of Dionysus today
actors
