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Glite Dictionary
Thespis

Thespis

9.9
A Greek poet from the sixth century BC said to have begun Greek tragedy
  • proper noun
  • /ˈθɛspɪs/
translation icon : Tespis
  • The legacy of Thespis continues to influence modern theater practices around the world.

Examples

  • He has built on Thespis's idea and added a second actor to the mix.

  • The Cart of Thespis shows the world's very first actor travelling with a cart that doubled up as a stage.

  • But now it's time for him to save his neck, learn the arts of Thespis, ain't it, boy?

    Fiction book (2001)

  • Unmask this funereal garb, and don the bright colors of Thespis.

    The Pirate (1948)

  • They had apparently committed every major histrionic sin since the birth of Thespis, and he was not about to forgive them for a single one of them.

    Fiction book (1990)

  • Having covered in tedious detail not only the history of the Sarah Siddons Society, but also the history of acting since Thespis first stepped out of the chorus line, our distinguished chairman has finally arrived at our reason for being here.

    All About Eve (1950)

  • Thespis is celebrated as the father of Thespis, transforming theater with his innovations.

  • In ancient Greece, Thespis was known for being the first performer to step out of the chorus.

Surface Forms

Thespis main

Etymology

Thespis is the name of a Greek poet from long ago who is often said to be the first person to step out of the chorus and speak on stage. From his name we get thespian, which means 'actor', so this story explains why we still call performers 'thespians' today.