Dionysus: Influential Through Time

THEATRE OF DIONYSUS: GREEK INFLUENCE THROUGH TIME Twenty-five hundred years ago, Western theatre was born in Athens, Greece. Between 600 and 200 BC, the ancient Athenians created a theatre culture that has influenced theatre through history. They created plays that are still considered among the greatest works of world drama. Their achievement is truly remarkable. Greek theatre took place in large hillside ampitheatres. The players included a chorus and their leader, and the lines were more chanted …

…and 'Saturday Night Live' reveal the humor of Aristophanes. French classical tragedy and 19th- and 20th-century Irish drama both feature Greek themes. All that tells us is why we should study ancient theater, to use the classics that have had such influence. Greek plays have a lasting influence: they remain some of the most powerful, moving, provocative, funny, biting, witty, and pertinent dramas there are. They are living theater, performed on stages around the world.