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Greek Theatre originated in Athens developing from 500 b.c through to 300 b.c (The golden age). It went from consisting of only one actor, to two in the year 471 b.c, to three and a chorus in 468 b.c. At the time acting was not seen as a profession and only men could perform as they could project out and use large gestures to fill the large open area. Greek plays incorporated song, chants, dance and music accompanying. Originally, a chorus was made up of 12 singers and dancers. The chorus had to stay in verbal and physical rhythm with each-other. After a while the number of people in a chorus expanded to 15 people and was split into two sub-chorus, each with six members and a leader (who could interact with actors on stage). The chorus also became the public opinion and this interaction brought Greek tragedy to modern theatre today. The chorus mostly communicates through song ( only sometimes spoken) and give the audience a background and summary of the play. This includes; presenting themes and showing how the audience should react. As Greek theatre evolved the chorus took on a more important role in the play, it became more involved and active. It also stopped showing how the audience should act. Famous Greek theatre play writers, who’s work have been recovered are Aeschylus(tragedians), Sophocles(tragedians), Euripides(tragedians) and Aristophanes(comic). Tragedy and comedy were never combined. Greek theatre was performed in large open air structures that were built on top of hills. The Theatron contained an orchestra- performing area, a scene- backstage area and an audience- auditorium area surrounding the orchestra.
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