In Search of Greek Theatre: Philoctetes (1964) and Paradise (2021)

This resource for the In Search of Greek Theatre series focuses on two different productions of Philoctetes by Sophocles.

Dr Lucy Jackson (Assistant Professor Greek Literature, Durham University) and Erin Lee (Head of Archive, National Theatre) look at the National Theatre productions of Philoctetes (1964) and Paradise (2021), and the different ways these two productions approached the staging of an ancient play in a modern world.

Keith Johnstone’s adaptation in 1964, performed at the Old Vic and directed by William Gaskill, and Kae Tempest’s reworking of Philoctetes, titled Paradise, in the Olivier Theatre, directed by Ian Rickson.

In this short film resource, Jackson and Lee focus on the adaptation of an ancient play, the design of the productions, and the role of gender in Tempest’s adaptation.

Taking you on a virtual visit to the National Theatre Archive, the film follows their exploration and discovery of how the work of ancient Greek dramatists can be communicated effectively through performance.

Learning outcomes

This film is designed to support students who are studying Greek drama as part of a Drama or Classics course at A Level or above, but can also offer useful insights for younger students.

Philoctetes

The Old Vic, 1964. Philoctetes by Sophocles; adapted by Keith Johnstone; directed by William Gaskill; scenery and costumes by Sam Kirkpatrick; lighting design by Leonard Tucker.

Paradise 

Olivier Theatre, 2021. Paradise by Kae Tempest, a new version of Philoctetes by Sophocles; directed by Ian Rickson; set and costume design by Rae Smith; lighting design my Mark Henderson; sound design by Christopher Shutt; music by Stephen Warbeck; movement direction by Coral Messam.

Photo © Zoe Dominic

Suitability

Suitable for 14+/KS4+

Greek drama, A Level Drama and Theatre, A Level Classics, Ian Rickson, Kae Tempest, Keith Johnson