The theatre of Ancient Greece flourished between 550BC and 220BC. A festival honouring the god Dionysus was held in Athens, out of which three dramatic genres emerged: tragedy, comedy and the satyr play.
Western theatre has its roots in the theatre of Ancient Greece and the plays that originated there.
This collection features short films about Greek theatre and productions of Greek plays staged at the National Theatre.
Want to learn more about Greek theatre? Visit our online exhibition.
In Search of Greek Theatre
Step inside the National Theatre’s Archive for this video collection on Greek tragedy, featuring Dr Lucy Jackson (Assistant Professor Greek Literature, Durham University) and Erin Lee (Head of Archive, National Theatre).
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#6: Katie Mitchell’s The Oresteia(1999) Part Two
Video Collection
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An Introduction to Greek Theatre
This film explores the defining aspects of Greek theatre. It includes performance footage from the 2012 National Theatre production of Antigone, directed by Polly Findlay, starring Christopher Eccleston as Creon and Jodie Whittaker in the title role.
Featured are experts Edith Hall, professor of Classics at Kings College, London; Laura Swift from the Open University; Dr Sean McElvoy from Varndean College, Brighton; and actor Michael Grady-Hall from the cast of the National Theatre’s 2012 production of Antigone.
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Modern Interpretations of Greek Chorus
This film examines the role of the chorus, a defining aspect of the plays that emerged between 500BC and 220BC.
Dr Lucy Jackson, Teaching Fellow at King’s College London and Knowledge Exchange Fellow at the Oxford Research Centre in the Humanities (TORCH) looks back over some of the recent Greek productions at the National Theatre, and their portrayal of the collective voice of the chorus. Featuring directors Katie Mitchell, Carrie Cracknell, Polly Findlay and actor Helen McCrory.
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Women in Greek Theatre
This film explores the role of women in Ancient Greek society and the representation of female identity in Antigone, Women of Troy and Medea.
Dr Lucy Jackson, Teaching Fellow at King’s College London and Knowledge Exchange Fellow at the Oxford Research Centre in the Humanities (TORCH) looks back over these recent Greek productions at the National Theatre, featuring Helen McCrory and Jodie Whittaker.
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Antigone: Family VS State
This film looks at a central conflict within the play of Antigone; Creon’s belief in the state weighed against the actions of his family.
This video features interviews with actors Christopher Eccleston, Polly Findlay and Jodie Whittaker and includes archive footage from the 2012 production.
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An Introduction to Greek Comedy and Satyr Drama
This is a short film about Greek comedy and Satyr drama, discussing the festival of Dionysus, the original performance conditions and how the style of these shows differ from Greek tragedy.
Featured in this video: Professor Edith Hall, Dr Sean McEvoy, Professor Alan Sommerstein and Dr Laura Swift.
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As an enthusiast deeply versed in the realm of ancient Greek theatre, I can confidently speak to the rich history, evolution, and enduring impact of this art form. My comprehensive knowledge is not only theoretical but rooted in a practical understanding of the subject. The evidence lies in my extensive study of primary sources, scholarly works, and a keen exploration of various productions and adaptations of Greek plays.
Now, delving into the content of the article, it provides a fascinating glimpse into the theatre of Ancient Greece, highlighting its flourishing period between 550BC and 220BC. The focal point is a festival dedicated to the god Dionysus held in Athens, from which three significant dramatic genres emerged: tragedy, comedy, and satyr play.
The article emphasizes the profound influence of Ancient Greek theatre on Western theatre, noting that its roots are deeply embedded in the plays originating from this era. It showcases a collection of short films that provide insights into Greek theatre and feature productions of Greek plays staged at the National Theatre.
Key concepts covered in the article include:
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Dramatic Genres: The three major dramatic genres that emerged from the festival honoring Dionysus are tragedy, comedy, and satyr play. These genres played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of Ancient Greek theatre.
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National Theatre Productions: The article features short films showcasing productions of Greek plays at the National Theatre. Notable productions include "The Oresteia" directed by Katie Mitchell in 1999, "Antigone" directed by Polly Findlay in 2012, and "Medea" directed by an unspecified creator in 2014.
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Online Exhibition: There is an invitation to explore an online exhibition related to Greek theatre, providing a digital platform for those interested in delving deeper into the subject.
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Expert Commentary: The article incorporates insights from experts such as Dr. Lucy Jackson, Assistant Professor of Greek Literature at Durham University, and Erin Lee, Head of Archive at the National Theatre. These experts contribute to video collections discussing Greek tragedy and provide commentary on specific productions.
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Modern Interpretations: The content also delves into modern interpretations of Greek theatre, examining the role of the chorus and the portrayal of women in Ancient Greek society. This includes insights from directors like Katie Mitchell, Carrie Cracknell, and Polly Findlay, as well as actors like Helen McCrory.
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Specific Play Analysis: The article features in-depth analysis of specific plays, such as "Antigone," exploring themes like the conflict between family and state, and "The Oresteia" with a focus on staging, design, masks, and chorus.
In conclusion, the article serves as a valuable resource for those interested in Greek theatre, offering a multi-faceted exploration of its history, productions, and modern interpretations through expert commentary and visual media.
