The chorus in Classical Greek drama was a group of actors who described and commented upon the main action of a play with song, dance, and recitation . Greek tragedy had its beginnings in choral performances, in which a group of 50 men danced and sang dithyrambs—lyric hymns in praise of the god Dionysus.
What are four functions of the chorus in Greek theater?
They function, scholars have suggested variously, to offer a sense of rich spectacle to the drama ; to provide time for scene changes and give the principle actors a break; to offer important background and summary information that facilitates an audience’s ability to follow the live performance; to offer commentary ...
What was the function of the chorus in Greek drama quizlet?
What was the function of the chorus in Greek theater? The chorus represented the point of view of the spectator and interpreted and commented upon the characters, their words, and actions .
What are the five functions of the Greek chorus?
- A. Allow entrance and exits of characteristics.
- B. Allow scene to change.
- C. Comment directly what’s going on.
- D. Comment to the audience.
- E. Interpret and re tell past events.
What is the main function of the chorus?
The Chorus is a group of actors that together speak, sing, and dance in one body. The Chorus is part ritual part thematic device that play a much larger role in Greek Tragedy than in the other genres. One of the primary functions of the chorus is to provide atmosphere and, in some ways, underscore the tragic action .
Why is Greek Theatre important?
In ancient Greece, theatre was a really big deal. Crowds of 15,000 people would gather to see a play. Theatre was so important to the ancient Greeks that prisoners would be released from jail temporarily , so they could also attend. Every town had at least one theatre.
What acting skills are used in Greek chorus?
As the Greek theatres were so large, the chorus’ actions had to be exaggerated and their voices clear so that everyone could see and hear them. To do this, they used techniques such as synchronization, echo, ripple, physical theatre and the use of masks to aid them .
What do dramas of ancient Greece reveal about its society?
The Ancient Greeks took their entertainment very seriously and used drama as a way of investigating the world they lived in, and what it meant to be human. The three genres of drama were comedy, satyr plays, and most important of all, tragedy .
What is a chorus quizlet?
The chorus is a group of old people on stage who comment on the action of the play , give back story, and to connect the play to other myths out loud. ... These group of people directly affect the action of the play. The chorus could sometimes play a role of a character.
How were masks used in Greek Theatre?
A mask hides part or all of the face. In Greek theatre the actors all wore exaggerated masks to communicate character . ... These were made of wood or leather and amplified the voice so that actors could be heard in the immense Greek amphitheatres .
What qualities did Greeks admire?
A vital characteristic trait that all of ancient Greece’s heroes and gods possessed were bravery and perseverance and to conduct themselves accordingly no matter the intensity of the situation.
What did the Greek chorus wear?
Members of the chorus also wore masks , except all members wore the same mask because they were all representing one character. Illustrations of the masks rarely showed them in use during performances but rather when they were being handled by the actors before or after a performance.
Why is Greek tragedy a serious play?
Tragedies are serious plays in which the characters face dire consequences , either because of their own actions or because it is their destiny.
What is an example of a chorus?
The definition of a chorus is a group of singers or a refrain in a song. An example of a chorus is a church choir . An example of a chorus is the part of a song that repeats several times. ... A group of dancers and singers performing together in a modern musical show, opera, etc.
What is chorus class?
In this class, (which meets once each week for thirty-five minutes) chorus students develop strong vocal technique in a choral setting , work on performance etiquette, develop and refine music reading skills and musical expression, as well as sing a variety of choral songs from different cultures, in different languages ...
What is the role of chorus in Agamemnon?
Chorus. The elder citizens of Argos, who were too old to fight in the Trojan War. They serve as advisors to Queen Clytemnestra during Agamemnon’s absence , and provide commentary on the action of the play.
