Emil Orlik
Chorus of Elders from “Oedipus Rex”
1910
(Production by Max Reinhardt at Circus Schumann Berlin, 1910)
Crayon lithograph in black
Berlin City Museum Foundation
The “chorus” in ancient drama occupies a central position between the main characters and the people. It represents the average person and acts as a representative of the people, whose concerns it voices to the protagonists. At the same time, the chorus comments on the most important stages of the action.