There are many theories about the beginning of drama in ancient
Greece. The one most widely accepted today is based
on the assumption
that drama evolved from ritual. The argument for this view goes as
follows. In the beginning, human beings viewed the natural forces of
the world - even the seasonal changes - as unpredictable, and they
sought through various means to control these unknown and feared
powers. Those measures which appeared to bring the desired results were
then retained and repeated until they hardened into fixed rituals.
Eventually stories arose which explained or veiled the mysteries of the
rites. As time passed some rituals were abandoned, but the stories,
later called myths, persisted and
provided material for art and drama. Those who believe that drama evolved out of ritual also
argue that those rites contained the seed of theater because music,
dance, masks, and costumes were almost always used. Furthermore, a
suitable site had to be provided for performances and when the entire
community did not participate, a clear division was usually made
between the "acting area" and the "auditorium." In addition, there were
performers, and, since considerable importance was attached to avoiding
mistakes in the enactment of rites,
religious leaders usually assumed
that task. Wearing masks and costumes, they often impersonated other
people, animals, or supernatural beings, and mimed the desired effect
-- success in hunt or battle, the coming rain, the revival of the Sun
-- as an actor might. Eventually such dramatic representations were
separated from religious activities.