A CONFERENCE FOR GRADUATE AND UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS ORGANIZED BY THE DEPARTMENTS OF CLASSICS, THEATRE ARTS AND ENGLISH/ FILM STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH

Along with traditional theatrical reinterpretations, recent adaptations of Classical subjects in television and film have continued to make ancient Greek and Roman culture accessible to today’s audiences. Scholarly interest in these representations of the ancient Greek and Roman world has grown considerably over the last decade. To build upon this dialogue on the reception of the Classical world in performance contexts, we would like to offer young scholars the opportunity to put Classics ‘in the spotlight’ along with experts in Classics, Theatre Arts and Film Studies.

Through a series of lectures, seminars and workshops we approach modern representations of antiquity from various perspectives: how authentic are the portrayals of individual figures and settings, and of the social and political environments? How are Classical characters or plotlines ‘reinterpreted’ in order to comply with – or challenge – specific social and cultural norms? Finally, how should performers and audiences approach modern representations of Classical culture?

Of special interest will be a presentation by Emerita Professor Mae Smethurst, an expert on Noh, about the performance on Greek tragedy in modern Japan.