Plays of the ancient Greek theatre always included a chorus that offered a variety of background and summary information to help the audience follow the performance . ... The chorus often provided other characters with the insight they needed. Some historians argue that the chorus was itself considered to be an actor.
Why is the chorus so important?
Firstly, according to a view accepted by many scholars, the chorus would provide commentary on actions and events that were taking place before the audience . By doing this the chorus would create a deeper and more meaningful connection between the characters and the audience.
What is the function of chorus in drama?
The role of the chorus in drama is much like the role of the narrator of a novel or story. The chorus provides some structure to the narrative and can provide information and commentary that need not be in the actors’ lines . The chorus can also provide foreshadowing or humor.
What is the point of Greek chorus?
The chorus speaks directly to the audience and may not interact with the main characters of a story at all. Their purpose is to underscore the moral themes, actions, character development, and messages of a story to the audience. The Greek chorus was prevalent in classical Greek drama of the 5th century BCE.
What are the 2 main functions of the Greek chorus?
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 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.
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 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 is the entrance of the chorus called?
A parodos (also parode and parodus; Ancient Greek: πάροδος, “entrance,” plural parodoi), in the theater of ancient Greece, is a side-entrance to the stage, or the first song that is sung by the chorus at the beginning of a Greek tragedy.
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 . A Greek chorus was often led by a coryphaeus.
Why did the Greek chorus wear masks?
Actors wore masks so that the audience may see the facial expression clearly, allow them to tell the characters apart and make the theme of the story (comedy or tragedy) clearly obvious to the spectators. The masks in Greek theatre consisted of comedy and tragedy, and were always the main themes of the performances.
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 are the characteristics of Greek theater?
The four major qualities of Greek drama were that they were performed for special occasions (such as festivals), they were competitive (prizes were awarded for the best show), they were choral (singing was a large part of drama, and the chorus was all men, about 3 to 50 of them), and they were closely associated with ...
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.
Where did Greek Theatre come from?
Greek theatre began in the 6th century BCE in Athens with the performance of tragedy plays at religious festivals. These, in turn, inspired the genre of Greek comedy plays. The two types of Greek drama would be hugely popular and performances spread around the Mediterranean and influenced Hellenistic and Roman theatre.
