The Theatre of Dionysus is an ancient theatre located in Athens, Greece and is believed to be the first theatre ever constructed. Dating back to the 5th century BCE, the Theatre of Dionysus was dedicated to the god of wine and fertility, Dionysus. It was used for the performance of tragedies, comedies and satyr plays, which were all part of the annual religious festival known as the City Dionysia.
1. Theatron: Theatron is a Greek word meaning “seeing place” and refers to the seating area of an ancient Greek theatre.
In the Theatre of Dionysus, this area was made up of stepped stone benches that descended in a semi-circle around the orchestra area. It could accommodate up to 17,000 people.
2. Orchestra: The orchestra was an open-air circular area located at the bottom of the theatre where actors performed their plays and musical numbers. It was separated from the seating area by a low stone wall called a “skene” which also served as a backdrop for performances.
3. Skene: The skene was a rectangular building at one end of the orchestra with three doors used by actors to enter and exit during performances. It served as both a backdrop for actors on stage as well as storage for props and other theatrical elements.
4. Parodoi: Parodoi were two narrow entrances located at opposite sides of the theatre that led from outside into the orchestra area.
They were used by performers and members of audience entering or exiting during performances.
Conclusion:
The Theatre of Dionysus is one of most famous ancient Greek theatres in existence today and has been able to remain intact over time due its precise construction following certain rules set out by Aristotle in his book “Poetics”. Its four main parts – Theatron, Orchestra, Skene and Parodoi – are what make it such an iconic landmark in Athens.