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We're supporting a new exhibition at the National Theatre in London which explores how ancient Greek tragedies continue to inspire modern theatre.
'The Greeks: Radical Reinvention' has been curated by Dr Lucy Jackson of our Department of Classics and Ancient History, in collaboration with the National Theatre Archive.
The free exhibition tells the story of how the National Theatre has reimagined Greek drama across six decades.
Visitors will discover how four essential elements of ancient Greek theatre - sound, space, dance and community - continue to shape new productions.
The exhibition uses the theatre's archive material, bringing past shows to life through stage artefacts, photographs, recordings of music, as well as recitals of ancient verse.
'Power to provoke and inspire'
Dr Jackson said: "We might not think that plays written over two and a half thousand years ago can ask really pointed questions about the way we live now. But they do.
"From the politics of music to the rights of refugees, these plays still have the power to provoke and inspire.
"This exhibition shows how radical reinvention is in fact the most authentic way of restaging a Greek tragedy for today's audiences."
Ancient plays for modern audiences
Our collaboration with the National Theatre is part of a wider commitment to sharing research and expertise beyond the University.
Dr Jackson has previously worked with the National Theatre Archive on the free educational video series, 'In Search of Greek Theatre'.
This explores the challenges and creativity involved in staging ancient plays for modern audiences.
'The Greeks: Radical Reinvention' opens in the National Theatre's Wolfson Gallery on September 9 and runs until early 2026.
Main image shows the cast in Medea (2014) at the National Theatre. (Image credit: Richard-Hubert-Smith)
