Since the 6th century B.C., ancient Greek theatres have been used to host a variety of different performances, including plays, poetry, and musicals. The design of these theatres has changed little since their first appearance in the 5th century B., making them a fascinating insight into early theatrical architecture. There are several key components that make up the structure of an ancient Greek theatre and understanding them is key to fully appreciating the history behind these amazing buildings.
Theatron
The main seating area of an ancient Greek theatre was known as the theatron. This consisted of a large semicircle made up of tiers of stone benches that could accommodate thousands of spectators at once. The design ensured that everyone in attendance had a good view of the performance, no matter where they were sitting.
Orchestra
At the very centre of an ancient Greek theatre was an open-air circular or horseshoe-shaped area known as the orchestra. This was where actors and musicians performed their plays or songs, directly in front of the audience.
Skene
Behind the orchestra was a large building called a skene, which served as both a backdrop for performances and as a dressing room for actors. It also contained storage space for props and costumes used in productions.
Parados
Parados, which translates to ‘side wall’, refers to two walls located on either side of the skene. These walls were used to create entrances and exits for actors during performances.