Ancient Greece, the birthplace of theatre, continues to greatly influence theater today. Drama is a form of poetry, because the dialogue was spoken or sung in verse. Many Greek works are still relevant today. Some plays have survived on their own merits, while others have been preserved by academic interest or by accident (Peter Arnott). The Great Dionysia was an important annual religious celebration and festival, honoring Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and fertility. Greater Dionysia is where theater began. Furthermore, actors in ancient Greek theater were treated very differently than actors today. They had a strong impact on ancient theater and shaped the way artists act today. Most actors performed in tragedies and comedies, the two main forms of theater. These wonderful and unique genres of plays are still popular today. Playwrights influenced Greek theater in many ways. Three major playwrights have greatly influenced the way we look at theater today, and will forever be the reason why the world loves theater as much as it does today. Ancient Greek theater is significant to the history of theater thanks to the Great Dionysia, actors, genres and playwrights, and continues to have an impact on modern theater today. First, Great Dionysia, also called City Dionysia, is where tragedy and comedy originated. It was a Greek festival celebrated in honor of the god of wine and fertility, Dionysus. All Athenian citizens participated in these popular festivals. People from all over the world traveled to Athens to participate in the popular event. During the festival, citizens gave choral performances with songs and dances. According to an article published by Central Washington University, Great Dionysia was an unusual party often filled with men in suits... middle of paper... all over the world, and it never stopped getting better. Actors in ancient Greece had a major impact on the way actors perform today. These actors started a new way of life for people all over Greece, and soon the world. Comedy and tragedy, the two main forms of theater, are unique in their own ways, but both bring people together through a love of theater. Ancient Greek playwrights Sophocles, Erypedes, and Aeschylus have had a huge impact on modern theater. These writers choose to be different and express themselves through theatre. The main aspect of why Greek theater was so important in its time was because it was a way to connect with friends, family, community, and the gods. Everyone was allowed to enjoy the theater and it was a great historic moment. Without ancient Greek theatre, the way people watch and appreciate theater today would be completely different.