The Influence of Greek Theatre on Biblical Literature: Further Implications for the Study of Hellenistic Theatre

This article is in response to recently published interdisciplinary research which has argued that 1 and 2 Samuel adhere to the three-actor rule, and that portions of biblical literature are reflective of the style of Hellenistic theatre plays. Working within that hypothesis, it explores how 1 and 2 Samuel may elucidate new information on theatrical choral performance and musical accompaniment, the use of stage devices, and the appearance of child actors on stage during the Hellenistic period. Moreover, it suggests the need to re-evaluate earlier scholarship which has adopted traditional biblical chronology and offers greater insight into the history of theatre in Hellenistic provinces of the Near East. KEYWORDS: Alexandria; chorus; Hellenism; Hellenistic; Judaism