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KS3 KS4 KS5

An Introduction to Greek Tragedy

Directing Drama Performance skills Performing Arts
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.

Overview

What are the defining aspects of Greek tragedy? Why do these ancient plays still resonate with audiences today?

This short film features interviews with Professor Edith Hall, Professor Laura Swift and Dr Sean McEvoy, and includes production images from the National Theatre Archive and video footage from the 2012 production of Antigone, directed by Polly Findlay.

This resource is part of a collection of short films focussing on Greek tragedy at the National Theatre.

Learning outcomes

This film is designed to introduce the key aspects of Greek tragedy and can support the study of them as part of a Drama or Classics course at Key Stage 3 and above.

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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.
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Production information

This film was made and directed by Chloe White for the National Theatre. It features the following National Theatre productions:

Olivier Theatre, 2012. Antigone by Sophocles; in a new version by Don Taylor; directed by Polly Findlay.

Lyttelton Theatre, 2004. Iphigenia at Aulis by Euripides; translated by Don Taylor; directed by Katie Mitchell;

Olivier Theatre, 1996. The Oedipus Plays; based on Sophocles’ Oedipus plays; directed by Peter Hall.

Photos © Manuel Harlan

Suitability

Suitable for 12+/KS3+

Keywords

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

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