Choral Self-Referentiality in the Prometheus Bound. Song, Dance, and the Emotions

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In the parodos of the Prometheus Bound, the chorus of the Oceanids enters in their winged cars and addresses Prometheus in lyric meters without, however, performing dancing. In order to interpret the absence of choral activity up to a certain point of the drama, which has a significant impact on the identity of the tragic chorus per se, it is important to understand the role and the importance of the Oceanids in the whole play by bringing to the fore their own comments on their presence and activity. Within this framework, we need to place particular emphasis on the dramatic space that hosts their performance, as well as on their singing and dancing and on the emotions conveyed throughout the drama. The unusual choreia of the Oceanids corresponds to the spoken grief of the chained protagonist and thus acquires a strong performative effect.