The
history of theatre charts the development of
theatre over the past 2,500 years. While performative elements are present in every society, it is customary to acknowledge a distinction between theatre as an
art form and entertainment and
theatrical or
performative elements in other activities. The history of theatre is primarily concerned with the origin and subsequent development of the theatre as an autonomous activity. Since
classical Athens in the 6th century BC, vibrant traditions of theatre have flourished in cultures across the world.