In ancient Athens, a wealthy citizen chosen or required to finance and organize a dramatic performance or choral competition as a public duty.
From Greek 'choregus' or 'choragus,' from 'choros' (choir) plus 'agein' (to lead), literally 'choir-leader' or 'one who leads the choir.'
The choregus system was ancient crowdfunding for culture—wealthy Athenians had to bankrupt themselves on civic choruses, and they'd commission famous playwrights like Sophocles to compete for glory, making theater a prestige competition among the elite.
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