this whole tiered section was called the theatron or seeing place. and all theaters of the classical age, both greek and roman, basically followed this model. great theaters existed at delphi, at epidaurus in the peloponnesus, at ephesus in asia minor and at rome. at delphi, the theater fits naturally into its hillside setting, facing as every greek theater did, a magnificent view. at the foot of the hillside theatron is the circular orchestra where the chorus danced, sang and performed. behind this was the platform stage or skene. simple at first, it grew more elaborate over the years. eventually, a storied structure ornamented with numerous statues faced the audience. such a structure provided not only backdrop but also tiring rooms where the actors could change costumes and masks. sophocles, we are told, was the first playwright to use painted scenery. here at the theater of epidaurus, where greek dramas still are presented 24 centuries later, we get an excellent view of the round orchestra and of the parodoi. through the parodoi, the audiences en