Question

In 534 BC, _____ stepped from the chorus and engaged in dialog with them; first actor.

Answer 1

Thespis is recognized as the first actor to step out from the chorus in 534 BC, engaging in dialogue and contributing to the birth of Greek tragedy.

Step-by-step explanation:

In 534 BC, Thespis stepped from the chorus and engaged in a dialogue with them, becoming the first actor. By introducing character speeches and dialogue between the actor and the leader of the chorus, Thespis played a pivotal role in the evolution of Greek drama. Theater in ancient Greece originated from religious celebrations of Dionysus, the god of wine and festivity. These celebrations involved choral performances that gradually developed into structured plays. Aeschylus and Sophocles later made significant contributions to the theater by adding multiple actors and enhancing dramatic storytelling through dialogue and scene-painting.

Answer 2

Thespis is recognized as the first actor in 534 BC for stepping out of the chorus and engaging in dialogue, a key moment that contributed to the development of Greek drama and the conception of individual acting roles in theatre.

Step-by-step explanation:

In 534 BC, Thespis stepped from the chorus and engaged in dialog with them, becoming the first actor. Thespis is considered a pioneer in Greek theatre, taking the bold step of separating himself from the dithyrambic chorus to interact directly with its leader and introduce character speeches and dialogue. This moment marked a significant transformation in the art of drama, leading to the development of characters and more complex storytelling in theatrical performances.

The tradition of Greek drama evolved from the festivities dedicated to the god Dionysus, where choruses would sing and chant. As playwrights began scripting these performances, the concept of an individual actor emerged, and drama as we understand it began to take shape. While Aeschylus later added a second actor and Sophocles introduced a third, the move by Thespis to step forward as an individual performer was crucial to the creation of drama and the role of the actor within it.