Skip to main content

Back to all resources

KS3 KS4 KS5

An Introduction to Greek Comedy and Satyr Drama

Drama English Performing Arts
Two people are on stage. In front, a man wears a red coat with white feathers and a laurel wreath. He is kneeling with his arms raised and an exaggerated smile. Behind, a shirtless performer with a headband crouches, holding a rope and looking nervous.

Overview

What are Greek Comedy and Satyr drama, and what function did they play in the theatre of Ancient Greece?

This short film discusses the the festival of Dionysus, the original performance conditions, how the style of these shows differ from Greek Tragedy, and modern comic material. It features interviews with Professor Edith Hall, Dr Sean McEvoy, Professor Alan Sommerstein, and Dr Laura Swift.

Learning outcomes

This film is designed to support the study of Greek drama as part of a Drama or Classics course at Key Stage 3 and above.

Watch

A group of performers in headbands with bird beaks attached stand and crouch on stage. They are painted with white paint and appear focused.
Play Video
Play Video

Production information

2008; Oedipus by Sophocles in a new version by Frank McGuinness; directed by Jonathan Kent

1990; The Trackers of Oxyrhynchus by Tony Harrison; directed by Tony Harrison

2002; The Birds by Aristophanes in a new version by Sean O’Brien; directed by Kathryn Hunter

1996; Frogs by Aristophanes; adapted by Fiona Laird; directed by Fiona Laird

2010; Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare; directed by Peter Hall

Photography © Catherine Ahsmore, Nobby Clark, Stephen Vaughan, John Haynes

Suitability

Suitable for 12+/KS3+

Keywords

Greek Drama, GCSE Drama, A Level Drama and Theatre, Classics, Comedy, Satyr

More on Greek Theatre

An Introduction to Greek Tragedy
KS3 KS4 KS5
A group of performers with white masks and earthy costumes crouch on a red stage. One individual sits cross-legged in front, gesturing with their hand.

An Introduction to Greek Tragedy

Directing Drama Performance skills Performing Arts
An Introduction to Greek Chorus
KS3 KS4 KS5
A man in a white shirt and dark trousers stands on a stage surrounded by eight women in matching earth-toned dresses. They are in a wooded set with tree trunks in the background.

An Introduction to Greek Chorus

Directing Drama Performance skills Performing Arts
An Introduction to Greek Theatre
KS3 KS4 KS5
Performers on stage wear tattered, monochromatic costumes and eerie, white masks, their bodies contorted in expressive, dramatic poses. The lighting is dark, creating a haunting and theatrical atmosphere.

An Introduction to Greek Theatre

Directing Drama Performance skills Performing Arts
An Introduction to Women in Greek Theatre
KS3 KS4 KS5
A woman wearing a patterned dress is standing with her arms outstretched, looking defiant.

An Introduction to Women in Greek Theatre

Directing Drama Performance skills Performing Arts
In Search of Greek Theatre: Bacchae (1973) and Bacchai (2002)
KS4 KS5
A group of people are arranged in a circle around a central, intense flame that emits a strong red light, illuminating the scene. They appear to be engaged in a dramatic, possibly ritualistic, performance. The background is dark, heightening the fiery atmosphere.

In Search of Greek Theatre: Bacchae (1973) and Bacchai (2002)

Directing Drama Performing Arts Production Arts
A classroom of pupils watching the NT Collection on a screen.

National Theatre Collection

Watch selected shows on National Theatre Collection – the best of British Theatre, streaming direct into your classroom.
Free for all UK state schools (primary and secondary) and FE colleges.

National Theatre Collection
A picture of the Archive research room, people sifting through archive material and others sat at a computer with headphones

Archive

Our Archive holds a treasure trove of performance material, including recordings and photographs of our productions.
Free to visit and open to everyone by appointment. School groups are welcome.

Archive