ancient Greek theater

Ancient Greek theater refers to the dramatic tradition and physical performance spaces of classical Greece, roughly 5th–4th century BCE.

The theaters themselves were open-air, semicircular structures built into hillsides, with tiered seating surrounding a circular orchestra and raised stage.

The art form encompassed tragedy, comedy, and satyr plays, performed at religious festivals honoring Dionysus.

Greek theater introduced conventions still central to Western drama: the chorus, masks, the division into acts, and the exploration of fate, morality, and human nature.