What Are the Three Different Areas of a Greek Theatre?

Greek Theatre|Theater

The ancient Greeks are well known for their contributions to the world of theatre, and the Greek theatre is a prime example of this. The Greek theatre is a unique form of art and one that has been studied and appreciated for centuries. It is composed of three distinct areas: the orchestra, the skene, and the audience seating.

The Orchestra

The orchestra was the central area of the Greek theatre. It was a large circular area surrounded by a low fence or wall.

This was the place where actors would perform their plays. They would stand in the middle of this space and use it as their stage to move around and act out their parts. The orchestra was also used as a gathering spot for people to watch performances and discuss them afterwards.

The Skene

The skene was located behind the orchestra and it served as a backdrop for performances. It consisted of a building that had three walls, with an entrance in one wall.

This entrance provided access to the backstage area, where actors could change costumes or props between scenes. The skene also had two levels to it, with one being higher than the other, allowing actors to appear from different heights during their performance.

Audience Seating

The audience seating at a Greek theatre was divided into two sections: an upper section called “theatron” and a lower section called “orchestra”. The upper section was located on higher ground than the orchestra, allowing viewers to get a better view of the performance below them. The lower section was located closer to ground level and provided seating closer to where the action took place.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are three distinct areas that make up a Greek theatre: the orchestra, skene, and audience seating. Each area serves an important purpose in providing an entertaining experience for viewers and performers alike. By understanding these three areas, we can gain insight into how ancient Greeks viewed theatre as an art form.