stasima

Stasima is a term used in the study of ancient Greek tragedy to refer to the choral odes that interrupt the play’s action between episodes. The word is the plural form of stasimon, and the odes are typically performed by the chorus with music and dance, often on the orchestra stage separate from the speaking actors. Stasima serve as lyrical interludes within the drama rather than actions or dialogues.

In content and function, stasima provide commentary on the preceding action, explore broader moral and thematic questions, and heighten the emotional or reflective mood of the play. They frequently address fate, divine influence, or social and ethical concerns raised by the plot. Formally, stasima are often organized into strophe and antistrophe, with poets sometimes appending an epode; the precise meter and structure can vary by author and period. The chorus’ movement and singing during a stasimon contribute to the ceremonial and musical atmosphere of the work.

Placement and frequency vary by author, but stasima traditionally appear between successive episodes, contributing to the overall architecture of the tragedy. They help transition the audience from one dramatic situation to the next and frame the dramatic action within a larger, often reflective arc.

Stasima are a central feature of classical tragedy, integral to its pacing, lyric beauty, and philosophical texture. They are commonly studied as key evidence for understanding how Greek tragedians used chorus to interpret and augment onstage events.