What Is the Parados in Greek Theatre?

Greek Theatre|Theater

The Parados is an essential element of Greek theatre and is one of the most recognizable features of ancient Greek drama. It is an entrance and exit point for the chorus, and is also used to introduce the main characters of the play. The Parados has been used in Greek theatre since at least the 5th century BC, and it has remained a prominent feature in many productions throughout history.

The term “Parados” comes from the Greek word “paradosis”, which means “passage” or “way-in”. This term was initially used to refer to a path that was used by actors and chorus members to enter or leave the stage.

This path would be surrounded by masks that were designed to represent different characters from mythology or literature, such as gods and goddesses. Through these masks, the audience could identify with different characters from the play.

Along with being a physical entrance and exit point for performers, the Parados also serves as a device for advancing the plot of a play. At its simplest level, it provides a transition between scenes or acts by allowing characters who are not on stage at any given moment to enter or leave without disrupting the flow of dialogue or action. In some cases, it can also be used to foreshadow upcoming events in a story by introducing characters who may not appear until later in the play.

In addition to serving as an entrance and exit point for actors and chorus members, the Parados was also used as part of ritualistic performances in ancient Greece. For example, during religious festivals such as Dionysia, performers would often use masks while entering from both sides of the stage as part of their processional dance. This served both as an introduction for viewers unfamiliar with certain figures from mythology and literature, but also provided an opportunity for experienced viewers to further appreciate the symbolism behind these characters’ entrances into their performance space.

Overall, it is clear that the Parados has been an important element in Greek theatre since its inception over two thousand years ago. It provides an entrance and exit point for actors and chorus members while simultaneously advancing plot points within a production through foreshadowing or introducing new characters into a story.

Additionally, its ritualistic use during religious festivals further enhances its importance in terms of understanding how plays were originally performed in ancient Greece.

Conclusion: What Is The Parados In Greek Theatre? The Parados is an essential element of Greek theatre which serves as an entrance and exit point for actors and chorus members while simultaneously advancing plot points within a production through foreshadowing or introducing new characters into a story. Additionally, its ritualistic use during religious festivals further enhances its importance in terms of understanding how plays were originally performed in ancient Greece