Thespis

Thespis (thĕs`pĭs), fl. 534 B.C., of Icaria in Attica. In Greek tradition, he was the inventor of tragedy. Almost nothing is known of his life or works. 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. This actor was called the hypocrite or "responder." Thus there developed a spoken dialogue.

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Thespis

(flourished 6th century BC, Athens) Greek poet, often considered the “inventor of tragedy.” He is the first recorded winner (c. 534 BC) of a prize for tragedy at the Great Dionysia, a drama festival. According to the rhetorician Themistius, Aristotle said that tragedy in its earliest stage was entirely choral until the prologue and speeches were first introduced by Thespis. Thespis, according to Themistius's account, was thus the first “actor,” and tragic dialogue began when he exchanged words with the leader of the chorus.

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Thespis

6th century bc, Greek poet, regarded as the founder of tragic drama

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Thespis

first individual Greek performer; whence thespian. [Gk. Drama: Espy, 46]

See : Acting