The revised edition of Michael Ewans' English translation of the Oresteia incorporates recent scholarship and insights, enhancing the understanding of this classic trilogy. It reflects updates and interpretations that have emerged since the original 1995 translation, offering readers a fresh perspective on the themes and nuances of the work.
Merging the theoretical framework with the practical elements of staging an ancient Greek play, this indispensable guide offers directors and actors an excellent starting point for mounting their production. Looking briefly first at the conditions of ancient Greek performance and the conventions of the Greek theatre, this practical guide goes on to explore, with analysed examples, the issues that today's theatre-makers need to consider in order to successfully stage ancient Greek drama. These topics include: - choice of translation - setting - costumes - masks - mode of delivery - themes - acting style for both tragedy and comedy - handling of the chorus - solutions to performing Greek drama on an end-on stage, as opposed to the arena space which the Greeks used The final part of the book examines larger questions, including those related to ancient Greek values, myth and the individual ('characterization'), and the gods and fate – all of which need to be taken into consideration when approaching a contemporary production. Overall, the book presents a key overview of Greek theatre in an accessible and practical manner not presently offered elsewhere.
This book offers a new, accurate and actable translation of one of Euripides' most popular plays, together with a commentary which provides insight into the challenges it sets for production and suggestions for how to solve them. The introduction discusses the social and cultural context of the play and its likely impact on the original audience, the way in which it was originally performed, the challenges which the lead roles present today and Medea's implications for the modern audience. The text of the translation is followed by the 'Theatrical Commentary' section on the issues involved in staging each scene and chorus today, embodying insights gained from a professional production. Notes on the translation, a glossary of names, suggestions for further reading and a chronology of Euripides' life and times round out the volume. The book is intended for use by theatre practitioners who wish to stage or workshop Medea and by students both of drama, theatre and performance and of classical studies.