The ancient Greeks are renowned for their contributions to theatre, and one aspect of this art form that they developed is the parados. The parados is a chorus entrance in Greek theatre, where the entrance of the chorus was accompanied by an ode or song.
This chorus was used to introduce the story and set the scene for the audience. In essence, it was an opportunity for the audience to get to know the characters and understand their motivations.
The parados was usually accompanied by a dance that was used to illustrate or express certain ideas or feelings. This dance could be used to show joy, sorrow, love, or any other emotion that was pertinent to the story being told. The chorus also acted as commentators on events within the play and offered commentary on them.
The parados also served as a way for actors to enter and exit scenes without disrupting the flow of action. Actors would enter from side entrances or from behind curtains while singing, dancing or speaking lines in unison with each other. This entrance would be accompanied by music and sometimes even a curtain, giving it a formal feeling.
The parados was not only used in plays but also in religious ceremonies. In these ceremonies, it served as an introduction to the gods and goddesses who were being worshipped. It also served as an invitation for worshippers to come closer and connect with them.
Conclusion:
In Greek theatre, the parados is an important part of how plays were presented. It served as an introduction of sorts to familiarize audiences with characters, stories and motivations through song, dance and dialogue.
It also allowed actors to enter and exit scenes without disrupting the flow of action while providing commentary on events taking place within them. Finally, it served as an invitation for worshippers in religious ceremonies to connect with deities being worshipped.