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Legend tells how Thespis walked around Athens pulling a handcart,
setting up a series of one man plays, where he showed the
bad behaviour of man.
Our word thespian, meaning actor, comes from
his name. He is supposed to have modified the dithyramb (which
had been, in effect, exchanges between the leader and the
chorus) by introducing an actor separate from the chorus.
Masks, make up and costumes are also his contribution.
The mask allowed the actor to portray the universality of
human existence, but even masked, actors were like modern
megastar pop-stars, commanding huge figures to perform. They
dined with world leaders, travelled extensively and negotiated
through their Theatre Guild. At Keep Left Theatre we stick
with the Union too.
Thespis is no longer with us to appreciate a handy corner
store for actors -- but you can !
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