The Attican poet Thespis apparently develops a…

The Attican poet Thespis apparently develops a new musical form during the sixth century BCE, in which he impersonates a single character and engages a chorus of singer-dancers in dialogue (he is also credited with the introduction of masks).

As the first composer and soloist in this new form (which will come to be known as tragedy), Thespis, both the first dramatist and the first actor, soon has many imitators.

The Greek theater at Athens where the choric dithyrambs and early plays of Thespis are staged consists of a large circle, viewed by spectators in seats set into the southern slope of the Acropolis.

A few set pieces such as tombs and rocks provide the scenery.

Athenians institute a contest in tragedy at a festival held in honor of Dionysus, the god of wine, fertility, and revelry.

Thespis, the inventor of the new form, wins first prize.

Burlesque plays featuring religious themes soon dominate Greek theater.