What Is a Parados in Greek Theatre?

Greek Theatre|Theater

A parados is an important structural element of Greek theatre. It is the entrance and exit used by actors in the performance.

The parados is located at the side of the orchestra, which is the circular area at the centre of a typical Greek theatre. It was usually constructed with three entrances that corresponded to three different levels of action in a play.

The parados was usually separated from the orchestra by a low wall, similar to a rampart or terrace. This allowed for convenient access to and from the stage, as well as providing an important visual element in the performance. The wall also served to separate the audience from the actors, so that they could not be seen or heard during their performances.

The parados was also used for other purposes during a performance, such as for storing props or for providing sound effects for certain scenes. The use of props was an essential part of Greek theatre and it was often necessary to make them easily accessible during a performance so that they could be quickly retrieved and used when needed. Sound effects were also an important part of Greek theatre and they were often produced by musicians located near or on the parados.

In addition to its practical uses, the parados also had symbolic meaning in ancient Greek theatre. Its three entrances were believed to represent three different types of dramatic action – tragedy, comedy, and satyr plays – which combined together formed what is known as ‘tragicomedy’. By using this symbolic language, ancient playwrights were able to convey complex ideas about life and humanity through their performances.

The parados has been an integral part of Greek theatre since its inception and remains an important element in modern productions today. Its structure provides an essential physical link between audience and stage while its symbolism still speaks powerfully today about life’s complexities and contradictions.

Conclusion: A parados is an important structural element in Greek theatre which serves both practical purposes such as providing entrances and exits for actors as well as providing symbolic meaning with its three entrances representing different types of dramatic action – tragedy, comedy, and satyr plays – which combine together to form tragicomedy. The parados has been used since antiquity and continues to be used today in modern productions due to its practicality and symbolism.