Step into the National Theatre's Archive and discover the stories behind our classic production of The Oresteia, the world's earliest dramatic masterpiece, and the practicalities of staging an ancient Greek play in a modern theatre building.
This trilogy by Aeschylus was presented in a new version by Tony Harrison and directed by Peter Hall. Other creatives involved with The Oresteia were: design by Jocelyn Herbert, music by Harrison Birtwhistle, movement by Stuart Hopps and lighting by John Bury.
In this first film about The Oresteia, we explore how ancient and modern practices converged in the staging at the National Theatre in 1981 and the company's special performance at the theatre at Epidaurus in Greece, in 1983. It was then televised on Channel 4.
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1:20 - Introduction
3:44 - Setting
6:08 - Design and the Designer
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For background detail on Greek theatre productions at the National theatre, see our online exhibit: artsandculture.google.com/sto...
The film features Dr Lucy Jackson, Assistant Professor in ancient Greek literature at Durham University and Erin Lee, Head of Archive at the National Theatre, London.
The film was funded by Durham University and made by the National Theatre.
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The Oresteia is available to watch in person, for free, at the National Theatre Archive, where you can also see the materials surrounding the production explored in this film.
Book your visit to the National Theatre Archive: www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/ab...
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