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There are many theories about the beginning of drama inancient Greece. The one most widely accepted today is based on theassumption that drama evolved from ritual. The argument for this view goes asfollows. In the beginning, human beings viewed the natural forces of theworld - even the seasonal changes - as unpredictable, and they soughtthrough various means to control these unknown and feared powers. Those measures which appeared to bring the desired results were thenretained and repeated until they hardened into fixed rituals. Eventuallystories arose which explained or veiled the mysteries of the rites. Astime passed some rituals were abandoned, but the stories, later calledmyths, persisted and provided material for art and drama.Those who believe thatdrama evolved out of ritual also argue that those rites contained theseed of theater because music, dance, masks, and costumes were almost always used. Furthermore, a suitable site had to be providedfor 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 avoidingmistakes in the enactment of rites, religious leaders usually assumed thattask. Wearing masks and costumes, they often impersonated other people, animals, or supernatural beings, and mimed the desiredeffect -- success in hunt or battle, the coming rain, the revival of theSun -- as an actor might. | 
