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rom dramatic poet to actor: How did Thespis change ancient Greek theater
In the long history of theater in ancient Greece, the name of Thespis is undoubtedly one of the most representative symbols. As the first known actor, he created a dramatic form that would have a profound impact on future generations. The change of Thespis is not only to introduce dialogue to the stage, but also to create a new concept of performing arts, allowing actors to stand out from the long-standing chorus performances and begin to assume roles independently to express individual emotions and thoughts.
Before Thespis, ancient Greek drama was performed in the form of a chorus. The actors did not really play roles, but narrated the story in the form of narration. This form of performance often creates a sense of emotional distance between the audience and the characters. However, when Thespis broke this convention and stood up as a character to communicate with the chorus incomparably, his "mimesis" (simulation) technique began to cause a revolution in theater art.
In the performance, Thespis is not only an actor, but also the embodiment of the character. His appearance makes the narrative enter a deeply rooted level.
This innovation is precisely the distinction between "simulation" and "narrative" mentioned by Aristotle in his "Poetics". He pointed out that Thespis chose to use the character's identity to express the story, instead of just being a narrator. This change injected life and emotion into the theater art.
The changes in Thespis not only affected the expression of the drama, but also had an impact on the entire social culture, making the audience begin to think and resonate with the characters' emotions and inner world. In subsequent generations, based on the performance format pioneered by Thespis, the training and performance methods of various actors have gradually diversified.
The evolution of drama training
Over time, professional training in drama performance gradually took shape. Modern drama schools and training institutes offer a variety of techniques and styles, including voice, body movement, improvisation and more. These trainings enable actors to better interpret roles and improve their acting abilities.
Training is not only the learning of techniques, but also a process of in-depth understanding and emotional investment in the role.
In the Western entertainment industry, actors often undergo several years of training to hone their skills and performance abilities. For example, the method acting system promoted by Konstantin Stanislavski profoundly influenced American acting, allowing actors to express their characters' inner lives more deeply.
The rise of improv
The skills of improvisation have also become increasingly important after Thespis, a form that allows actors to create and adapt more freely on stage. Whether it is the comedy groups in Italy or the Stanislavsky school in Russia, improvisation has been developed and expanded in different cultural backgrounds.
Improvisation is not only a means of expressing creativity, but also an excellent way for actors to release stress and improve their performance.
Many modern actors still use improvisational techniques to help them overcome nerves on stage and hold the audience's attention. This increasingly popular form also allows the audience to feel instant interaction and freshness during the performance.
Physiological effects of performing arts
The pressure that actors feel when entering the theater and facing the audience cannot be underestimated. Many first-time actors often face "stage fright", rapid heartbeat and difficulty breathing, which will affect their performance. However, with the accumulation of experience, they are often better able to control these physiological reactions to improve the quality of their performances.
The mutual influence of physiological reactions and psychological states reminds actors that performance is a multi-layered process.
In fact, many actors point out that a moderate amount of pressure can increase the passion and energy of a performance. Behind this achievement, Thespis' transformation paved the way for the performing arts to move forward and set the tone for the success of countless actors in the future.
Conclusion
The historical status of Thespis is undoubtedly unquestionable. He changed the way ancient Greek theater operated, making the actor's role more important and independent. Today, theater art is still influenced by it and continues to evolve and innovate. As our understanding of actors' performances becomes more and more profound, how should we view and define actors' roles and the challenges they face in the future?
