The word “theatre” comes from the Greek “theatron” meaning “place of seeing”. In Ancient Greece, theatrical performances with music, dance and masks were held in outdoor amphitheatres. Greek drama included tragedies and comedies. Great playwrights were Aeschylus, Aristophanes, Euripides, and Sophocles. Roman towns also had theatres. Later, theatre declined but re-emerged in the Middle Ages as religious performances. Sanskrit theatre in India, described in the Natyasastra treatise, was ritualistic and included dance, music, and recitations. Today’s theatres retain some elements like the stage, audience seating, and acting.
When was theatre changed to theater? The modern word “theatre” originated from Greek and French words meaning a place for seeing plays. In the 1800s Noah Webster altered the spelling to “theater” to reflect simpler American English pronunciation. The performers in Greek theatre were all male and wore masks. Our word “thespian” meaning actor comes from Thespis, a legendary Greek performer. The two masks of drama represent comedy and tragedy. Theater etiquette refers to good audience behavior during performances.