The origins of Greek drama began with ancient hymns called dithyrambs that were sung in honor of Dionysus. These hymns evolved into choral processions where participants wore costumes and masks. Early Greek theaters were simple outdoor spaces where audiences watched and listened to choruses perform about gods and heroes. The key parts of the theater included the orchestra where the chorus performed, the theatron where spectators sat, and the skene which represented a building and had doors for entrances and exits. The first plays were staged in the Theater of Dionysus in Athens in the 5th century BC.

1. The Athenians theater

2. The origins of drama
The earliest origins of drama are
ancient hymns, called dithyrambs.
These were sung in honor of the god
Dionysus. These hymns were later
adapted for choral processions in which
participants would dress up in
costumes and masks.

3. The modern word “drama”
comes form the Greek word
dran meaning "to do"

4. Dithyrambs:
Dithyrambs: a poem,
chant, or hymn of
ancient Greece sung by
revelers at the festival
in honor of the god
Dionysus

5. Theater
Greek tragedies and comedies were
always performed in outdoor theaters.
Early Greek theaters were probably
little more than open areas in `city
centers or next to hillsides where the
audience, standing or sitting, could
watch and listen to the chorus singing
about the exploits of a god or hero.

9. Parts of the Theater
 Orchestra: (literally, "dancing space")
A circular and level space where the
chorus would dance, sing, and interact
with the actors who were on the stage
near the skene.
 Theatron: (literally, "viewing-place")
This is where the spectators sat. The
theatron was usually part of hillside
overlooking the orchestra.

10. Parts
 Skene: (literally, "tent") The skene was
directly in back of the stage, and was usually
decorated as a palace, temple, or other
building, depending on the needs of the play. It
had at least one set of doors, and actors could
make entrances and exits through them.
 Parodos: (literally, "passageways") The paths
by which the chorus and some actors made
their entrances and exits. The audience also
used them to enter and exit the theater before
and after the performance.

11. Theatre
of
Dionysus
The first plays were performed in the Theatre
of Dionysus, built in the shadow of the
Acropolis in Athens at the beginning of the
5th century,
These theatres proved to be so popular they
soon spread all over Greece.

12. In Greek Mythology
Dionysus was the son of
Zeus. He is the only god
born of one god and one
mortal parent.
He was the god of wine,
fertility and revelry.

13. The Play: Types of Greek
Drama
Comedy
Tragedy
Satyr Plays

14. Thank you!!