thespis

Thespis is traditionally credited as the first actor in ancient Greece. According to historical accounts, he emerged in the 6th century BCE during the City Dionysia festival in Athens. Before Thespis, Greek drama, particularly the dithyramb, was a choral performance with no individual actors. The innovation attributed to Thespis was the introduction of a single actor who would engage in dialogue with the chorus. This actor, often referred to as the "hypokrites" (answerer), stepped out from the chorus and took on a distinct character, performing speeches and interacting with the other performers. This departure marked a significant evolution, transforming the performance from a purely choral recitation into a narrative drama. The word "thespian," meaning actor, is derived from his name. While the exact details of his life and contributions are debated by scholars and are largely based on later sources, his legendary role in the birth of Western theater is widely recognized. The development of individual characters and spoken dialogue is seen as the crucial step that laid the foundation for the rich tradition of Greek tragedy and comedy that followed.