There are many theories about the beginning of drama in ancient Greece. One theory【C1】_____the theater’s origin from the human interest in storytelling. According to this view, tales (about the hunt, war, or other feats) are gradually【C2】__, at first through the use of impersonation, action, and dialogue by a【C3】__and then through the【C4】_____of each of the roles by a different person.

However, the one most widely accepted today is based on the assumption that drama【C5】_____from ritual. The argument for this view goes【C6】__. In the beginning, human beings viewed the natural forces of the world as【C7】__, and they sought through various means to control these unknown and feared powers. Those【C8】__which appeared to bring the desired results were then【C9】__and repeated until they hardened into【C10】__rituals. Eventually stories arose which explained or【C11】__the mysteries of the rites. As time passed some rituals were abandoned, but the stories, later called myths, persisted and provided【C12】_____for art and drama.

Those who believe that drama evolved out of ritual also argue that those rites【C13】_____the seed of theater because music, dance, masks, and costumes were almost always used.【C14】__, a suitable site had to be provided for performances and when the entire【C15】__did not participate, a clear【C16】__was usually made between the “acting area” and the “auditorium”. In addition, there were performers, and, since【C17】__importance was attached to avoiding mistakes in the enactment of rites,【C18】__leaders usually assumed that task. Wearing masks and costumes, they often【C19】__other people, animals, or supernatural beings, and mimed the desired effect as an actor might. Eventually such dramatic representations were【C20】_____ from religious activities.

【C2】