Final answer:
The mythological origin of Indian theatre can trace its beginnings to the Sanskrit Indian prakarana, an early form of drama, and its rich tradition of religious rituals and epics like the Mahabharata, which have largely influenced its development.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mythological origin of Indian theatre is intricately tied to religious rituals and epics, much like its western counterparts. In terms of specific works, the Sanskrit Indian prakarana is a notable form that mirrors the beginning of theatre in India. This type of play, typically in five acts, is considered to have helped in the spread of drama throughout Eastern cultures, paralleling the impact that Greek theatre had in the West. The origin of theatre overall is subject to various theories, but the Ritualist theory, which suggests theatre's beginnings in religious rituals, is one of the most widely accepted concepts. In fact, many forms of traditional Indian theatre, like the shadow puppetry that narrates stories from the Indian epics such as the Mahabharata, have their roots in religious and mythological tales and were performed during important Hindu festivals. It should also be noted that the Grecian celebration of Dionysus, the god of wine and revelry, is often cited as the origin of western theatre through its transformation from religious ceremonies into recognizable plays. This highlights the cultural importance of theatre in expressing communal narratives, whether through the complex stories of Indian epics or the dramatic works of the Greeks, thus demonstrating the universality of theatrical expression across different societies and ages.