In the late 4th century BCE, on the gentle western slope of Mount Cynortion near the sanctuary of Asclepius in Epidaurus, a remarkable theatre began to take shape. Designed by Polykleitos the Younger, the structure was built not just for entertainment but as an extension of healing practices dedicated to the god of medicine. Audiences of up to 14,000 gathered to watch dramatic performances believed to uplift the spirit and restore health. The theatre’s perfect symmetry and acoustics made it stand out, even in a culture that valued such features. The theatre was never altered during Roman rule, preserving its Hellenistic layout. Spectators were divided between a lower and upper auditorium, separated by a corridor, with carefully designed seating based on a tri-center system. This precise geometry contributed to the theatre’s legendary acoustics, where even whispers from the circular stage, or orchestra, could reach the furthest rows. At the orchestra’s center stood the thymele, a sacred altar, while around it ran an underground drainage channel, the euripos, concealed by a stone walkway. The stage building, or skene, developed in two phases—initially constructed at the end of the 4th century BCE, then modified in the 2nd century BCE. It featured a two-story structure with a proscenium for performances and adjoining rooms for actors. Though parts of the skene survive only in fragments, its design reveals the theatre’s continued use and importance across generations. After centuries of silence, the theatre came alive again in 1938 with a performance of Sophocles' Electra, directed by Dimitris Rontiris. World War II soon interrupted this revival, but by 1954, organized performances resumed. The following year, these performances were formalized into the Epidaurus Festival. Ever since, the theatre has hosted Greek and international artists during summer months, from legendary soprano Maria Callas to contemporary actors, blending ancient space with modern voice. Today, the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus remains a monument to both art and healing, drawing visitors and performers alike to experience its enduring harmony of form and function.