The Chorus in Later Greek Drama with Reference to the Stage Question

Edward Capps, first American editor of the Loeb classical series and famous philhellene of the early 20th century, here addresses the problem of the movement of the dramatic chorus from its position in the orchestra during the 5th century BC to its elevated position above the actors in Vitruvius. He uses primarily literary sources to support a late move from orchestra to stage during the reign of Nero and not, as previously believed, the 4th century BC. Capps's vast knowledge of Greek and Roman literature makes for a powerful argument, deeply learned and illuminating for those who wish to consider the history of theater beyond the standard context of 5th century Athens and the performance context of the great plays of Sophocles and Euripides in their own time and beyond.