The theatres of ancient Epirus fall into three categories depending on the size of the audience they could accommodate: small, medium and large. The theatre of Dodona is a large structure that dominates the south-western end of the low series of hills that delimits the archaeological site. It could accommodate 18,000 spectators and was the main gathering point for assemblies of the Epirote League.

One of the main public uses of the theatre was as a venue for the publication of documents and the bestowing of honours on kings and prominent citizens. Additionally, citizens would gather at the theatre during times of intense rivalry and fragile balance, to learn about the latest events.

The ancient theatre of Dodona went through four successive building stages, with the initial stage dating to the reign of king Pyrrhus (297-272 B.C.). The theatre itself was connected with the celebrations in honour of Naios Zeus, known as the Naia games. These were likely Autumn games and were held every four years. Theatrical performances were also given here, in the form of competitions. Theatrical competitions would get started in the morning and continue until the sun had set.

The theatre’s massive koilon (audience section) has been built into the natural slopes and curves of the ground, making it one of the largest in the Hellenistic world. The koilon is divided into three sections by four horizontal aisles, while the theatre overall boasts 55 rows of edolia (seats).

The lower sections once had seats (known as the proedria) reserved for officials and honoured figures. The orchestra was shaped like an ellipse, behind which stood a rectangular structure, the skene (stage).

Like many other ancient theatres, that of Dodona witnessed changes in use over the years. It still bears the evidence of the Romans’ barbaric blood sports.  In its final building phase, during the reign of Augustus, the theatre was converted to an arena to accommodate the Romans’ beast hunts and gladiator fights. A wall was erected in the lower section to protect spectators. The paraskenia (structures on either side of the skene) were converted to triangular beast cages, and an alcove was built into the centre of the arena wall to provide shelter to combatants.