Entertainment / Literature / Chorus: (1) A group of singers who stand alongside or off stage from the principal performers in a dramatic or musical performance. (2) The song or refrain that this group of singers sings. In ancient Greece, the chorus was originally a group of male singers and dancers (choreuti) who participated in religious festivals and dramatic performances by singing commenting on the deeds of the characters and interpreting the significance of the events within the play. This group contrasts with the actors (Greek hypocrites). Shakespeare alters the traditional chorus by replacing the singers with a single figure--often allegorical in nature. For instance, 'Time' comes on stage in The Winter's Tale to explain the passing years. Likewise, 'Rumor' appears in Henry IV, Part Two to summarize the gossip about Prince Hal. See also choragos and choric figure, above.
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Entertainment / Literature / Act: A major division in a play. Often, individual acts are divided into smaller units (scenes') that all take place in a specific location. Originally, Greek plays were not divided into acts. They took pl MORE
Entertainment / Music / Call And Response: Performance style with a singing leader who is imitated by a chorus of followers. Also responsorial singing. MORE