

Secondly, the chorus would allow the playwright to create a kind of literary complexity only achievable by a literary device controlling the atmosphere and expectations of the audience. By doing this the chorus would create a deeper and more meaningful connection between the characters and the audience. 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. As there was this clear need to distract the audience while the actors went off-stage to change clothes and costumes, and perhaps prepare for their next role, the function of the chorus may have had more to do with practicality, than with artistic or philosophical considerations.Īside from the practical the chorus would have had numerous functions in providing a comprehensive and continuous artistic unit. In order to understand the function of the chorus one must remember that at the origins of Greek drama there was only one actor and even at later dates no more than three actors occupied the stage, each of whom may have played several roles.

The origins of the chorus in particular may have stemmed out of ancient rites and rituals with elements of song and dance, and most importantly – the gathering of people. Photo by Andrew MirhejĪlthough the historical origins of Greek drama are unclear it may be said it had relevance to religion, art and to the love of expression and perceptive storytelling in general.

This is an effect that, by adding slightly modified copies to the original signal, creates an imitation of polyphonic performance, like a choral sound.
