THESPIS

flourished 6th century BC, , Athens Attic Greek poet from the deme (district) of Icaria who reputedly originated the actor's role in drama. He was often considered the inventor of tragedy, and his name is recorded as the first to win a prize for tragedy at the Great Dionysia, c. 534 BC. The significance of the claim depends on the interpretation of scanty evidence about Thespis and the view taken of the development of Greek drama. Aristotle, according to the rhetorician Themistius, said that tragedy in its earliest stage was entirely choral until the prologue and speeches were first introduced by Thespis. Thus Thespis was indeed the first actor, and tragic dialogue began when he exchanged words with the leader of the chorus.