Final answer:
Greek actors wore socci for comic roles and cothurni for heroic roles, which helped in their movement and made them more visible to the audience. Costumes played a critical role in distinguishing characters and enhancing the theatrical experience as they were a major part of the visual storytelling in Greek theater.
Step-by-step explanation:
Greek actors wore specialized footwear depending on the roles they were performing. Comic actors wore socci, soft shoes akin to ballet shoes, facilitating movement and acrobatics. For more serious and heroic roles, actors donned cothurni, which were a form of platform boots that made them appear more imposing and easier to see by the audience. These choices in costume were crucial for the visual storytelling in Greek theater, as they helped distinguish different characters and elevate the presence of actors on stage. The enhanced voice projection through the use of masks with wide mouth orifices and the portrayal of different characters by switching masks were also an integral part of Greek theater's dramatic delivery.
Why actors' costumes were important in Greek theatre is highlighted by their ability to transform mere mortals into gods and mythical figures, thus elevating the spectacle and aiding in conveying the deeper meanings and themes of the plays. These traditions underscore the significance of costumes in theatrical history, demonstrating their role in storytelling before the advent of elaborate sets and lighting.