In ancient Greek plays, the chorus played an important part in the telling of the story. They were considered the narrator of the play, and often sang songs between speeches and continued the story between scenes.
In modern American musicals, the chorus usually functions as the "choir." Singing large songs, act openings and closing, moving the story forward, and singing backup for the principals.
In some ways, the chorus hasn't changed much since the ancient Greek days!
It was meant for everyone to enjoyIt was designed to ask tough questionsIt was meant to be educationalComedy and Tragedy were the most popular themes in plays.
The Greek chorus was a group of approximately twelve actors who acted similar to modern narrators in Greek plays. They were integral to the plays and would sometimes have over half of the lines. Their job was to comment on the action in the play, either by speaking all together or by singing. They would dress similarly and wear masks. The role of the Greek chorus was to provide time for scene changes, give the main actors a break and time to prepare for the next scene, offer background information and information about the main themes, to offer an insight into a character's thoughts and feelings, and just generally act as a go-between for the audience and the actors. Incidentally, battles and murders were not allowed to be performed in Greek theatres and so the chorus would tell the audience of such events instead of them being acted out.
Comedy and Tragedy. Although actually Shakespeare wrote as many Histories as he did Tragedies (10). Comedies were what he wrote the most (18).
Interact directly with non-chorus characters is what the chorus leader can do that the other chorus members cannot do in ancient Greek theater.Specifically, the chorus is made up of respected, wise elders. Its members instruct the audience by explaining offstage and past events as well as onstage happenings. They entertain by dancing and singing across the stage. But they cannot interact directly with characters outside the chorus. Only the chorus leader can interact with both chorus and non-chorus members in the play.
The "parodos".
nothing
He created "tragedy"
The Chorus in Electra, the Greek tragedy by Euripides, consisted of the virgin country women from Mycenae.
to provide a commentary on what is happening
χορόςIn tragedy the term stated the choir (
In ancient Greek tragedy, the number of actors was limited to three, but the chorus and chorus leader could also be used.
The tragic element that refers to the integration of the chorus into the plot is known as "choric integration." In classical Greek tragedy, the chorus serves not only as a commentator on the events unfolding but also engages with the characters and influences the narrative. This integration heightens the emotional resonance of the story and provides deeper insight into the themes and moral questions presented. The chorus often embodies the collective voice of society, reflecting the audience's responses to the tragedy.
In a Greek tragedy, the chorus serves multiple functions, including providing commentary on the events of the play, reflecting the emotional and moral atmosphere, and offering insights into the themes and dilemmas faced by the characters. They often represent the voice of the community, expressing collective opinions and concerns, and can also engage with the audience directly. Additionally, the chorus helps to establish the setting and context, enhancing the dramatic effect of the narrative. Overall, their presence enriches the storytelling and deepens the exploration of the human condition.
Aeschylus is recognized as the father of Greek tragedy
The parados serves as the entrance song for the Chorus in ancient Greek tragedy, performed as they enter the theater. Its purpose is to set the tone for the play, provide context, and convey key themes or emotions related to the unfolding story. Additionally, the parados often reflects the cultural and societal issues relevant to the narrative, enhancing the audience's understanding of the characters' motivations and the overarching conflict.
== == A group of actors who function as a unit, called a chorus, was a characteristic feature of the Greek tragedy. The members of the chorus shared a common identity, such as Asian Bacchantes or old men of Thebes. The choragos (leader of the chorus) sometimes spoke and acted separately. In some of the plays, the chorus participated directly in the action; in others they were restricted in observing the action and commenting on it. The chorus also separated the individual sins by singing and dancing choral odes, though just what the singing and dancing were like is uncertain. The odes were in strict metrical patterns; sometimes they were direct comments on the action and characters, and at other times they were more general statements and judgments. A chorus in Greek fashion is not common in later plays, although there are instances such as T.S. Eliot's Murder in the Cathedral, in which the Women of Canterbury serve as a chorus.
Greek philosophy describes tragedy as an "imitation of an action"