2.4 The role of the chorus in Greek comedy

The chorus in Greek comedy was a vital component, consisting of 24 male performers who advanced the plot and provided comic relief. They served as a bridge between actors and audience, offering commentary and representing the audience's perspective on stage.

Through songs, dances, and dialogue, the chorus explained character motivations and clarified the story. They also critiqued social norms and political figures, entertaining the audience while educating them on contemporary Athenian society.

The Chorus in Greek Comedy

Composition and function of chorus

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• Typically consisted of 24 male members, all amateur performers and often citizens of Athens
• Dressed in costumes and masks relevant to the play's theme to visually represent the characters they portrayed
• Served as a representation of the audience's perspective by providing commentary on the actions and decisions of the characters
• Helped to advance the plot through their songs, dances, and dialogue, moving the story forward in engaging ways
• Offered comic relief through their antics and humorous exchanges, lightening the mood and entertaining the audience
• Acted as a moral compass, guiding the audience's reactions to the play by expressing opinions on characters' choices

Chorus as audience-actor bridge

• Acted as an intermediary between the actors and the audience by directly addressing the audience and breaking the fourth wall
• Explained and clarified the actions and motivations of the characters, providing context for the audience to better understand the story
• Expressed the thoughts and feelings of the audience, reacting to the play's events in a way that mirrored the audience's reactions
• Served as a surrogate for the audience, allowing them to engage with the play more deeply by representing their perspective on stage

Chorus techniques for plot advancement

• Performed songs and dances during the parabasis, a break in the action of the play, often containing satirical or political commentary relevant to contemporary Athenian society (government, social norms)
• Used songs and dances to transition between scenes and provide a change of pace, helping to maintain audience engagement
• Reinforced the play's themes and messages through the content of their songs and dances
• Offered humorous observations on the characters and their actions, providing a broader perspective on the play's events
• Critiqued social norms, political figures, and cultural practices through their commentary, educating and informing the audience while entertaining them

Chorus in comedy vs tragedy

• Both served as a link between the actors and the audience and provided commentary on the play's events and themes
• Used songs and dances to enhance the emotional impact of the performance, whether humorous or solemn
• Comic chorus more actively involved in the plot, often interacting directly with the characters and breaking the fourth wall to address the audience
• Tragic chorus more solemn and serious, reflecting the grave nature of the play's themes and representing the community affected by the events
• Comic chorus represented the audience itself, while the tragic chorus often represented the larger community impacted by the story's events