In Search of Greek Theatre: Sir Peter Hall's The Oresteia Part I (1981)
Overview
This film focuses on the 1981 production of The Oresteia, directed by Sir Peter Hall.
Dr Lucy Jackson (Assistant Professor Greek Literature, Durham University) and Erin Lee (Head of Archive, National Theatre) take 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 with a focus on staging and design.
This resource is part of a collection of short films unpacking seminal National Theatre productions of Greek tragedy.
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.
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Production information
Olivier Theatre, 1981.
The Oresteia by Aeschylus; in a new version by Tony Harrison; directed by Sir Peter Hall; design and costumes by Jocelyn Herbert; lighting design by John Bury; sound design by Ric Green; music direction by Malcolm Bennett; movement direction by Stuart Hopps.
Photo © Nobby Clark
Suitability
Suitable for 14+/KS4+
Keywords
Aeschylus, Peter Hall, Tony Harrison, Greek theatre, Classics, A Level Drama, staging, design
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.
More to explore
In Search of Greek Theatre: Sir Peter Hall's The Oresteia Part II (1981)
In Search of Greek Theatre: Katie Mitchell's The Oresteia Part I (1999)
