Theater, this dynamic art form where performers communicate experiences and feelings to a live audience with the use of gestures, speech, music and dance was born in Greece, in the form of the magnificent ancient Drama.

Outdoor venues for drama performances or spectacles were particularly important in Ancient Greece. Greek geographer Pausanias’ famous saying that a city cannot be named a city if it has no theatre is indicative of the esteem in which these places were held by Greeks.

Modern Western theatre, which has borrowed many elements from ancient Greek drama, is performed nowadays in beautiful venues around the world, and these places are considered landmarks by locals and tourists alike.

Here’s a selection of some of the most impressive venues for live theater, including the majestic Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens.

Bolshoi Theater, Moscow, Russia

National Centre for Performing Arts, Beijing, China

Teatro Colon, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Minack Theater / Porthcurno, Cornwall, England

Teatro alla Scala, Milan, Italy

Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia

Shakespeare’s Globe, London, England

Herodes Atticus, Athens, Greece