Epidaurus Theater: Classical Greek Architecture and Sacred Drama

The Ancient Theater of Epidaurus: A Masterpiece of Classical Design

Classical Period Features

In the preceding Archaic period, early forms of theater in Attica, such as the Dionysian festivals, lacked a constructed stage. The orchestra was rectangular, bounded laterally by the Temple of Dionysus and an altar. The theatron was connected by only two straight staircases rising from the orchestra.

Greek theater forms significantly influenced the construction of Roman theaters, which adopted important elements like the theatron, orchestra, and skene (stage building). A particularity of Roman auditoriums was their construction in a semicircular form, often built on level ground, enclosing the orchestra. Roman plays did not feature a choir, and their function was not primarily religious. One of the main differences in Roman theater infrastructure was the use of galleries and vaults, which facilitated the movement of large crowds and access to seats. The stage featured a circular element visible from the exterior. Due to the broader scope of Roman theater (including games), the orchestra became semicircular, and the performance took place on a raised stage called a pulpitum.

The Greeks also had Odeons, buildings similar to theaters but with key differences: they were covered, smaller in size, and primarily intended for musical performances.

In Roman times, the works shown in theaters primarily represented tragedies or comedies. This change in role, combined with new construction techniques, led to significant changes in the layout and elevation of the theater building.

Key Architectural Elements: Ionic Style

The Greeks, unfamiliar with the use of arches and vaults for large outdoor constructions, utilized the natural slope of hills for their theaters. The proscenium and skene also featured Ionic columns.

In Greek architecture, supported elements are typically straight, such as the entablature and flat roofs. These elements can be observed in the skene and the access doors located on both sides. Seats for figures of authority, which had backs and arms, were supported by decorated columns (pikanes). The formal elements of the columns appearing at Epidaurus are characteristic of the Ionic style.

The building consists of a grandstand, known as the koilon or theatron, which is ultra-semicircular and built into the slope of a hill. It surrounds a circular space called the orchestra, where an altar is located. To access the stands, which are divided into wedge-shaped sections (kerkides), there are several vertical corridors and a central horizontal corridor called the diazoma.

In the center of the orchestra is an altar for the worship of Dionysus. Behind the skene, we find a covered area called the proscenium. The proscenium housed stage accessories and decorations.

The skene building was two stories high and enclosed the theater.

Access to the theater was gained through the parodoi. The structure of the building contributes to the exceptional acoustics at Epidaurus.

Religious Function and Performances

The primary function of the plays performed at Epidaurus was religious drama. Beginning in the early fourth century BC, a Panhellenic festival, the Asclepieia, took place every four years at Epidaurus, within the Sanctuary of Asclepius. This festival combined gymnastic and musical performances.