Chorus

Definition

In theater, a chorus refers to a group of performers who comment on the action of a play or represent the collective voice of the community. Traditionally, they provide narrative exposition, highlight themes, and enhance emotional resonance through their songs and movements. The chorus acts as a bridge between the audience and the characters, reflecting societal values and guiding viewers' interpretations of the unfolding drama.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The chorus originated in ancient Greek theater, particularly in tragedies, where they performed songs and dances to convey emotions and themes.
2. Choruses can vary in size and function; they may act as narrators, reflect societal norms, or even represent different factions within the story.
3. Modern interpretations of the chorus may be found in musicals, where ensemble numbers serve similar purposes by unifying themes and enhancing the emotional landscape.
4. The use of a chorus allows for a richer exploration of themes by presenting multiple perspectives, thus creating a dialogue between characters and the audience.
5. In playback theater, the chorus can take on an improvisational role, responding to audience stories and embodying emotions or ideas expressed in those narratives.

Review Questions

• How does the chorus function to enhance the narrative in Greek tragedies?
  • In Greek tragedies, the chorus enhances the narrative by providing commentary that offers context to the events occurring on stage. They often reflect the thoughts and feelings of society at large, allowing audiences to connect deeper with themes such as fate and morality. By summarizing actions or posing questions, they help clarify complex plot developments and reinforce emotional responses.
• In what ways does a modern musical chorus differ from its traditional Greek counterpart while still serving similar purposes?
  • A modern musical chorus differs from its traditional Greek counterpart mainly in style and medium; while Greek choruses relied heavily on spoken verse and song to comment on action, modern choruses blend contemporary music and choreography. Despite these differences, both serve similar functions: advancing plotlines, expressing collective emotions, and underscoring significant themes through ensemble performances that engage the audience's feelings and reactions.
• Evaluate how the concept of a chorus can be applied in playback theater and its significance for audience engagement.
  • In playback theater, the concept of a chorus is applied through performers who interpret audience stories in real-time, transforming personal narratives into shared experiences. This form engages audiences by validating their stories while allowing them to see their emotions reflected back through performance. The significance lies in fostering connection and empathy within the audience as they witness their own lives represented creatively, highlighting how individual experiences resonate within a larger community context.

Related terms

Greek Tragedy: A form of theater originating in ancient Greece, characterized by serious themes and often involving moral dilemmas, where the chorus plays a crucial role in commenting on the actions and providing insight.

Narrative Function: The role that a chorus serves in storytelling, including summarizing events, expressing collective emotions, or offering philosophical reflections relevant to the themes of the performance.

Dramatic Irony: A literary device where the audience knows more about a situation than the characters do, often enhanced by the chorus's commentary which can foreshadow events or reveal hidden truths.