Dithyramb
A dithyramb was a choral hymn, in ancient Greek tragedy, sung by fifty men or boys to honor Dionysus. By the fifth century B.C. there were dithyramb competitions. It is conjectured that one member of the chorus began to sing separately marking the beginning of drama.
Modern screenplays consist of dialogues among individuals. Ancient tragedy began as a conversation between a single actor and a chorus. A second and third actor were added -- eventually.
Related Resources
• Greek and Latin Prosody• Dochmiacs
• Iambic Trimeter
• Anapests
• Tragedy: Setting the Stage
• Terminology for Drama (especially tragedy)
• Other Features on Drama
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