The chorus was a central element in classical tragedy. In the modern age its presence normally represented a major barrier to the reception of the dramas of antiquity for dramatists, directors, and audiences alike. In 20th century drama, however, this apparently alien theatrical device has found increasing acceptance, even in plays without any direct back-reference to antiquity. The study looks at problems and potentialities in the use of the chorus in 20th century dramatic practice. With reference to stagings of classical dramas and modern plays and to texts about the theatre, a typology of the chorus phenomenon is proposed. The conclusion is that the chorus can enrich an involving present-day form of theatre in a variety of ways.