Ancient Greek Theatre Essay Example

The mystery that is Ancient Greek theatre has been wondered about from the 5th century onward by historians and philosophers alike. Because no one really has an accurate knowledge on the exact origins, Aristotle and others suggested theories of how tragedy and comedy came about. These theories are generally accepted, even with the lack of proof. Greek theatre introduced new art forms that are still popular today, but they were so different then. Imagine going to see a play now: there is usually comfortable seating and adequate lighting and sound equipment. The actors are not overburdened with heavy costumes and masks. However, ancient theatre was entertainment for the masses. The roots of Greek Theatre are very uncertain, but it is thought to have originated in religion. The Greeks had many gods and goddesses, but some people in ancient Greece worshipped one in particular with a song called the Dithyramb. This song was dedicated to Dionysus, the god of drama. His followers would perform this song, along with myths they believed about him, in lively costumes and elaborate staging (Garland 180). Robert Garland says “Athenians attributed the invention of theatre to a shadowy figure called Thespis, who is credited with having won first prize in the first contest for tragedy held in 534 B.C.E.” (Daily Life 181). Thespis was a follow of Dionysus, and he sang the Dithyramb with the other followers. He began acting out the myths, instead of singing them, which led to his being called “the first actor and the first playwright” (Carr 1), because he was the first to try this new form of worship. Quickly, this became a popular outlet for the Greek’s to praise their respective gods. Instead of simply singing songs, they would act out religious myths. The Greek ruler during this period, Pisistratus, set up an entire theatre in Dionysus’ honor (Carr 1). With this theatre came a festival of Dionysus. During this celebration, “orphans of war dead paraded in battle gear and