The Probert Encyclopaedia of Actors

THESPIS

Thespis was the founder of drama. He was a native of Icaria around 558 BC. Before his time choruses sang hymns in honour of Dionysus, relating his exploits. Thespis devised the idea of having an actor to play the part of Dionysus, and, by his dialogue with the leader of the chorus, to give dramatic vigour to the story. He is said to have also introduced the tragic masks, by wearing which one actor could support several characters.
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