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KS3 KS4 KS5

An Introduction to Greek Chorus

Directing Drama Performance skills Performing Arts
A man in a white shirt and dark trousers stands on a stage surrounded by eight women in matching earth-toned dresses. They are in a wooded set with tree trunks in the background.

Overview

What was the Ancient Greek Chorus, and what role did it play in Classical Theatre?

These short films examine the role of the chorus, a defining aspect of the plays that emerged between 500BC and 220BC. These resources are part of a collection of short films focussing on Greek tragedy at the National Theatre.

Learning outcomes

These films are designed to support the study of Greek drama as part of a Drama or Classics course at Key Stage 3 and above.

Watch

A man in a white shirt and dark trousers stands on a stage surrounded by eight women in matching earth-toned dresses. They are in a wooded set with tree trunks in the background.
Play Video

Modern Interpretations of Greek Chorus

Play Video:

Modern Interpretations of Greek Chorus
A person dressed in military-style clothing stands confidently in a dramatic, atmospheric setting. Behind them, a group of individuals in varied, worn clothing sit and stand on a makeshift stage, illuminated by intense overhead lighting and surrounded by mist.
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The Ancient Greek Chorus in Historical Context

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The Ancient Greek Chorus in Historical Context

Production information

Dr Lucy Jackson, Teaching Fellow at King’s College London & Knowledge Exchange Fellow at the Oxford Research Centre in the Humanities (TORCH) looks back over some of the recent Greek productions at the National Theatre, and their portrayal of the collective voice of the chorus. The film also includes extracts from interviews with actor Helen McCrory and directors Katie Mitchell, Carrie Cracknelland Polly Findlay.

Photo (Danny Sapani in Medea) © Richard Hubert Smith

In this short film resource, Dr Lucy Jackson takes us through the historical context of the ancient Greek chorus in tragedy, and discusses how and why the chorus played such an important role in performance and in classical theatre more generally.

This mini-lecture was delivered as part of a pre-show event for Kae Tempest’s Paradise in 2021.

Photo (Cast of Paradise) © Helen Murray

Suitability

Suitable for 12+/KS3+

Keywords

Greek Drama, GCSE Drama, A Level Drama and Theatre, Classics, Polly Findlay, Carrie Cracknell, Katie Mitchell

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