Classical Theatre: Tragedy & Comedy

Timetable

Module aim (aims)

- to gain knowledge of origins and development ancient theatre and ancient drama;
- to gain knowledge of the typological classification, political and social influences on the theatre and drama, differences between playwrights and their source;
- to develop the ability of interpretation of the most important plays by the prominent playwrights;
- to develop research skills in the field of diverse levels of intertextual relationships: persons, genres, motifs, and selected problems.

Pre-requisites in terms of knowledge, skills and social competences (where relevant)

- general familiarity with mythology and ancient history.

Syllabus

Week 1 Ancient theatre – an introduction
Basic information about the scene, set, costumes, masks, props etc.

Week 2 A citizen as a playwright
Ancient literature in English translation: Aeschylus Oresteia

Week 3 Perfection in drama
Ancient literature in English translation: Sophocles Oedipus Tyrannus

Week 4 A power of law
Ancient literature in English translation: Sophocles Antigone

Week 5 Women in love
Ancient literature in English translation: Euripides Medea

Week 6 The boundary of propriety and good taste
Ancient literature in English translation: Euripides Hippolytus

Week 7 Roman remake
Ancient literature in English translation: Seneca Phaedra

Week 8 What is allowed in democracy ?
Ancient literature in English translation: Aristophanes Frogs & Clouds

Week 9 Greek utopia – government of women
Ancient literature in English translation: Aristophanes Lysistrata

Week 10 Safe humor
Ancient literature in English translation: Menander Dyscolus

Week 11 Roman catalogue of masks
Ancient literature in English translation: Plautus The Soldier Warrior

Week 12 Comedy of avarice
Ancient literature in English translation: Plautus Aulularia

Week 13 The model of a romantic lover
Ancient literature in English translation: Terence The Eunuch

Week 14 A romantic love story with a happy end
Ancient literature in English translation: Terence The Girl from Andros

Week 15 Final test

Reading list

Translations of ancient texts and secondary sources selected by the teaching staff.

The course will focus on works (read in English translations) of selected playwrights (Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Seneca, Aristophanes, Menander, Plautus, Terence) and their analysis and interpretation. The aim of the course is to show masterpieces of ancient tragedy and their impact on the development of culture.