Theory one: Egypt
-This theory describes the use of “Pyramid Texts”, which contain dramas about sending the dead pharaoh off to the underworld. This theory says states that the earliest forms of theater evolved with rituals and ceremonies used to illustrate the myths of the culture. The earliest form of this evolution is in ancient Egypt, around 2800-2400 B.C. Egypt also seems to have the very first passion play, called the Abydos passion play, which concerns the story of Osiris, the Egyptian god of the underworld.
Theory two: Greece
-This theory states that the earliest forms of theater were found in ancient hymns in Athens, which later evolved into choral processions using costumes and masks. The idea of actors came into this as well, as members of the choral procession were given specific roles within the ritual. Later on, public festivals were developed, which involved dance, music, poetry, and other various entertainments. Among the most famous of these entertainers was Thespis, who would often read his poetry in a way that made him assume the character of the lines he was reading. We is widely thought, because of this, to be the world’s first actor.
~Helena
