The Evolution of the Chorus in Ancient Theaters

The inception and evolution of the chorus in theater are fascinating developments that span from ancient Greece to sub-Saharan Africa, each with its unique contributions to the understanding and practice of theater as we know it today.

Ancient Greece: Chorus in Athenian Theater

Theater in ancient Greece can be traced back to the 5th century BCE, where the idea of a chorus emerged. Athens, a center for intellectual and cultural activities, held annual choral competitions that were heavily subsidized by prominent civilians. This contributed to the flourishing of the art form and laid the foundation for future theatrical innovations.

One notable figure in this context is Thespis, a Greek actor credited with adding the concept of a masked character to interact with the chorus. This innovation marked the beginning of the development of structured plays with distinct roles. Within a generation, this led to the establishment of tragedy and comedy as we recognize them today. This transformation involved the separation of a protagonist from the chorus and the introduction of what we now consider as the concept of characters and action.

Chorus in Ancient Africa

A similar form of early theater can be observed in sub-Saharan Africa, where entire villages often participated in communal performances featuring choral texts and call-and-response form. This method of performance bound the community together and often had religious or ritualistic purposes, allowing the chorus to play a significant role in storytelling and cultural preservation.

The Ancient Near East: The Hurrian Hymn

Significantly, the chorus has roots that extend even further back in history to the early Bronze Age, around 1400 BCE. The Hurrian Hymn, discovered in the remains of ancient Mari and Alalakh, provides evidence of a complex musical and choral arrangement.

This hymn is notable for being a choral piece with detailed instructions for the music orchestra and the heptatonic diatonic scale for lyre. The presence of orchestration and precise musical instructions in the written form suggests that the Hurrian society had a sophisticated understanding of music and theater, possibly dating back 4000 years. The notation of the heptatonic scale provides a detailed insight into the mathematical and musical knowledge of that era, making the Hurrian Hymn one of the most significant discoveries in the study of ancient theater and music.

Conclusion

The choruses of ancient Greece, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Near East all contributed to the rich tapestry of theater history. The chorus has evolved from its early communal uses to become a fundamental element in the modern concept of theater. From the interactive masked characters in Athenian dramas to the communal performances of ancient Africa and the sophisticated musical arrangements of the Hurrian Hymn, the evolution of the chorus reflects the cultural and artistic diversity of these civilizations.