Prologue

Prologue, introductory poem or speech, which originally explained or commented on the action of the play which it preceded. It was first used by Euripides and later by the Elizabethans, who applied to it the name Chorus. Together with the epilogue, which closed the action, the prologue was extensively used during the Restoration period, providing a good deal of incidental information on the contemporary theatre. It survived well into the 18th century, and disappeared with the crowded bills of the 19th century. It is now used only on special occasions. At their best the prologue and epilogue were witty and sometimes scurrilous commentaries on politics and social conditions, written by outstanding men of the theatre, such as Dryden and Garrick, and spoken by the leading actor or actress.