Greek chorus facts for kids
A chorus in a classical Greek play was a group of performers. They helped tell the story. The chorus would sing, dance, and speak together. They often shared feelings or commented on what was happening.
They were very important in ancient Greek theatre. The chorus helped the audience understand the play's message. They also showed the emotions of the characters.
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What Was the Greek Chorus?
In ancient Greece, plays were a big part of festivals. These plays often took place in large outdoor theatres. The chorus was a key group in these performances. It was usually made up of 12 to 15 people. They performed together as one voice.
The word "chorus" comes from the Greek word khoros. This word meant a dance in a ring. Early choruses likely danced in a circle. They would sing and tell stories. Over time, they became part of the plays.
Roles of the Chorus in Plays
The chorus had many jobs in a Greek play. They were like a narrator for the audience. They helped explain the story. They also showed the feelings of the characters.
- Commenting on the action: The chorus would often step in. They would talk about what was happening. They might explain why a character did something.
- Expressing emotions: They showed the mood of the play. If something sad happened, the chorus would sing a sad song. This helped the audience feel the emotion.
- Giving advice: Sometimes, the chorus would offer advice. They might warn characters about danger. Or they might suggest what someone should do.
- Setting the scene: They could describe places or events. This helped the audience imagine the setting.
- Connecting scenes: The chorus often performed between scenes. This helped move the story along. It also gave actors time to change costumes.
How the Chorus Performed
The chorus members wore special costumes. They might also wear masks. Their movements were often very stylized. They would move and dance together. This created a powerful visual effect.
They performed in a special area. This area was called the orchestra. It was a flat, circular space. It was located in front of the stage. The chorus would sing and chant their lines. Sometimes, a leader of the chorus, called the choragos, would speak alone.
Why Was the Chorus Important?
The chorus was more than just performers. They were like the voice of the community. They often shared common beliefs. They also showed the moral lessons of the play.
Greek plays often explored big ideas. These included justice, fate, and human nature. The chorus helped the audience think about these ideas. They made the play more meaningful. They were a vital part of ancient Greek theatre.
Images for kids
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Getty Villa – Storage Jar with a chorus of Stilt walkers – inv. VEX.2010.3.65
See also
In Spanish: Coro (teatro) para niños
