Understanding Greek Tragic Theatre (Understanding the Ancient World)

Book Details

• Author: Rush Rehm

• Brand: Taylor & Francis Ltd

• Edition: 2

• Binding: Paperback

• Number of Pages: 174

• Release Date: 13-07-2016

• ISBN: 9781138812628

• Languages: English

About the Book

Understanding Greek Tragic Theatre (2nd Edition) by Rush Rehm is an insightful exploration of how Greek tragedy functioned in its original performance context. A revised edition of the 1992 work Greek Tragic Theatre, this book serves as a crucial resource for those interested in the mechanics of Greek tragedy, from classicists to actors and directors.

Rehm focuses on the political nature of Greek tragedy, positioning the theatre as a crucial public forum for the polis, where important societal issues were debated. He highlights the centrality of performance culture in Athens and its relationship with the life of the city, emphasizing the role of the audience in these theatrical productions.

The second half of the book provides a detailed analysis of four seminal Greek tragedies: Aeschylus’ Oresteia trilogy, Sophocles’ Oedipus Tyrannus, and Euripides’ Suppliant Women and Ion. Rehm examines each play in performance, considering how they evolve on stage and how relationships between characters (and the chorus) are shaped in the live theatre setting.

This edition also pays homage to the scholarly tradition while emphasizing the lived experience of tragedy, making it essential reading for anyone interested in the intersection of theatre, society, and politics in ancient Greece.