Classical Greek DramaBACKGROUND INFORMATION

Four Reasons for Theater• Entertainment

• Religion

• Loyalty to your city-state

• Honoring local heroes

Origins• Over the centuries, harvest dances developed into the dithyramb

(dith-uh-ramb), a religious ritual performed by a chorus of men wearing masks.

The Theaters• Orchestra – Circular Dancing and Performance Area

• Skene – Rectangular Prop and Changing Room for Actors