Final answer:
The chorus is the name of the group of singers in ancient Athenian drama that comments on the action of the play, serving as narrators and providing thematic and moral commentary.
Step-by-step explanation:
The group of singers in ancient Athenian drama who comment on the action of the play is known as the chorus. This group, integral to Greek theatre, provided narration, background information, and reflections on the events of the play, thereby engaging with the audience and bridging the actors and spectators. The chorus sang choral songs that could carry thematic significance and moral commentary, contributing to the catharsis or emotional purging of the audience. The evolution of the chorus and its function reflects the cultural significance of drama in ancient Athens, with playwrights such as Sophocles and Euripides using the chorus to elaborate on philosophical questions and societal issues, deeply influencing Western literature.