Arts & Culture
The Function of the Chorus in Ancient Greek Tragedy
Quick fact
The chorus originally numbered 12 (later 15) performers trained in singing and dancing; they remained on stage for the entire play, rarely leaving until the final exodos.
Why this is interesting
You've likely seen a movie where a character steps aside to speak directly to the audience. Imagine instead a dozen voices singing in unison, moving in a dance that weaves the audience into the story itself—that was the chorus in ancient Greek tragedy. Why did every Greek play rely on this strange, singing crowd?