In this study a cross-over is made between two fields of inquiry. A theoretical model from anthropology, Communitas, will be applied to the phenomenon of classical Greek theater. The purpose of this cross-over is to gain a better understanding of the functionality of theater in 5th century Athens. It is primarily the intention of this new reading of ancient comedy and tragedy to offer a contribution to a more correct interpretation of ancient literary texts. Thus this book will show itself useful in the field of traditional philology. Secondly the study wants to show itself useful in the field of anthropology, by giving examples from Antiquity underlining and clarifying the theories of Van Gennep and Turner. From an anthropological point of view it is interesting to see that Turner's findings not only clarify the functionality of non-theatrical rituals, but also the workings of theatrical rituals.