The Chorus

1. The Chorus

2. History on the side… • Sophocles • One of the 3 greatest writers of Greek Tragedy • First to have 3 actors onstage at the same time • Increased the number of singers in the CHORUS • Rather than write three interconnected plays, he wrote a single drama of concentrated action that focuses on a dominant individual

3. History continued • Conventions of Greek Drama • Had to rely on physical gestures because the venue was large and it was difficult to hear • Actors also used masks to portray their character and act as a megaphone • There were no females in the dramas

4. The Chorus • The chorus remained in the orchestra where they sang, danced in ritualistic, formal patterns, and commented on the action • Chorus members dressed alike, or in variations on a basic pattern, and wore similar masks

6. A Tragic & Comedic Day • Tragic • Write 20 lines for your chorus • The dialogue should revolve around a tragic first day of school • No this does not have to rhyme • Comedic • Write 20 lines for your chorus • The dialogue should revolve around a comedic first day of school • No this does not have to rhyme