Define pinakes in ancient Greek theater.

Pinakes, in ancient Greek theater, refers to painted panels or boards that were used as backdrops in theatrical performances. These pinakes would often depict various scenes or settings, such as buildings, landscapes, or any other necessary elements for the play. They were placed behind the actors on the skene (stage building) to enhance the visual presentation of the performance and help set the scene for the audience. Pinakes were an essential component of the ancient Greek theatrical experience, contributing to the overall aesthetic and atmosphere of the production.