TIP in Cyprus: Workshop on Ancient Greek Tragedy and Comedy for High School
Date: 18.11.2023
Location: THOC building
Reimagining Ancient Greek Drama for the Classroom
As part of the Theatre in Palm (TIP) project, educators, theatre professionals, and students in Cyprus recently experienced a transformative workshop led by renowned theatre expert Georgina Kakoudaki. A celebrated figure in youth and teen theatre from Athens, Kakoudaki brought her unique perspective on adapting Ancient Greek drama for modern educational settings.
The Theory
The workshop began with a theoretical exploration of how Ancient Greek drama is historically performed both by professionals and in school theatre. The sessions tackled key themes, including:
- The convergences and divergences in professional and school theatre practices.
- Common dilemmas educators and directors face when working with ancient texts.
- How to reframe Ancient Greek drama to better resonate with students and contemporary audiences.
Kakoudaki’s insights provided practical tools to navigate these challenges, helping participants rethink their approach to classic texts in a school setting.
Practical Exploration Through Ancient Texts
The workshop shifted to a hands-on exploration of two iconic Greek tragedies:
- “Antigone” by Sophocles: Focusing on the right to have an opinion, participants investigated how the themes of individuality, authority, and moral conflict could inspire improvisation and creative stage dialogues.
- “Helen” by Euripides: Centered on “the truth within the lie,” this session delved into documentary theatre techniques and how theatrical motifs from the play could be adapted for pedagogical purposes.
Participants explored tragedy as a medium for improvisation, invention, and documentary storytelling. Kakoudaki encouraged educators to use students’ lived experiences as a starting point, building stage action that connected deeply with the themes of the texts.
Empowering Teachers to Inspire Students
A key goal of the workshop was to empower teachers with new approaches to engaging students in Ancient Greek drama. Kakoudaki shared practical exercises designed to transform how educators view and teach these texts, fostering creativity and deeper understanding in their classrooms.
By using the great tragedies as tools for discussion and exploration, the workshop aimed to create a lasting shift in how Ancient Greek drama is approached in schools, encouraging dynamic, student-centered learning.
About Georgina Kakoudaki
Georgina Kakoudaki is an acclaimed theatre practitioner with extensive experience in creating and directing youth and teen theatre productions. Her expertise in merging educational methodologies with performance art has made her a sought-after mentor across Europe.
