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

Directing Drama Performing Arts Production Arts
A black-and-white scene from a theatrical play depicts three men in ancient Roman or Greek costumes. One man extends his arm towards another, who is pulling the third man dressed in armor with a rope. Other actors are in the background.

Overview

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.

Watch

A black-and-white scene from a theatrical play depicts three men in ancient Roman or Greek costumes. One man extends his arm towards another, who is pulling the third man dressed in armor with a rope. Other actors are in the background.
Play Video

In Search of Greek Theatre #9: Philoctetes (1964) and Paradise (2021)

Play Video

Production information

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+

Keywords

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

Classroom of pupils watching the NT Collection

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

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