The Role of the Chorus in Ancient Greek Plays

The Role of the Chorus in Ancient Greek Plays

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In ancient Greek plays, the role of the chorus was to sing lyrical passages. The lyrical passages were set up

by the writer and the chorus would then perform dance movements to compliment those lyrics. In today's day and

age, it is the cast members in many musicals who depict the role as the chorus. However, in some cases, the chorus

also helps assist the modern reader in interpreting ancient terminology used during that period.

I believe that the chorus held a very important role in the play Antigone, by Sophocles. The loyal and

religious citizens of Thebes, who are very devoted to their state, represent the chorus. These citizens also have

excellent moral values portrayed in them. The author uses the chorus as a way to illustrate the reaction that the public

has to the events that occur throughout the play. It (The chorus) can be considered the narrator of the story; it "filled in

the gaps" so to speak. They also help the readers (or viewers considering ancient Greek times) to better comprehend

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