C Curriculum Explorer
History·Ancient Greece & Rome·conceptual

Greek theatre

Know that the ancient Greeks invented theatre, performing tragedies and comedies in large open-air amphitheatres with actors wearing masks — and that plays were performed as part of religious festivals honouring the god Dionysus, with audiences of thousands

Suggested ages 7–9

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Evidence of understanding

  • Explain that the Greeks invented theatre with two types of plays: tragedies and comedies
  • Describe how Greek actors wore masks and performed in open-air amphitheatres
  • Say that plays were part of festivals honouring the god Dionysus

Assessment prompt

If Greek theatre visited an ancient amphitheatre or saw a picture of Greek masks, could they tell you that the Greeks invented theatre and explain why actors wore masks?

Standards alignment

No external standards are linked to this topic.