What’s the point of the Greek chorus?

The chorus is something modern audiences find difficult to engage with when they see a Greek play. Because we’re used to a form of drama which is focused around character, plot and action, we often find the chorus alien, and find it hard to see what the point of having it is. This talk will look at why the Greeks felt the chorus was important, and what role it has in tragedy. We’ll look at how choral odes fit into the rest of the play, and how they help us interpret the themes and ideas presented elsewhere. This is an illustrated talk, which can be adapted for students of any age group and can focus on particular texts that are being studied. To book, please contact Dr Laura Swift directly.