Final answer:
Before the modern director, various individuals handled interpretative/managerial responsibilities in theater productions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before the evolution of the modern director, the interpretative/managerial responsibilities were handled by various individuals depending on the time period. In ancient Greece, actors, producers, and playwrights worked together on theater productions, with the playwright often playing multiple roles.
In Rome, theater managers took care of logistics, while in the Middle Ages, theater troupes were usually formed by families, and everyone played a role in managing the performances. During the Renaissance, theater companies became more structured, with a clearer distinction between each member's function, and successful companies aimed to own their own theaters. It was not until the second half of the 19th century in Europe that the concept of a director as we know it today started to emerge.