Real – Abstract – Imaginary. Greek Theatre in Performance

Principal investigator: Ao. Univ.-Prof. Dr. Herbert Bannert
Project team member: MMag. Dr. Raimund Merker
Duration: 01.05.2012–31.10.2015
Funding: FWF
Granted: EUR 199.188,14

The subjects of the research project are the performance techniques and performance practice of Greek tragedy. Selected dramas and text extracts from the three tragedians Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides will be used to investigate – given the lack of stage- and scenic instructions –, how realistically and true to life and/or abstract and imaginary certain key scenes which are relevant for the course of the plot were played by the actors. On the other hand, the question will be posed about the means of artistic expression of the soloists and the chorus (gestures, mimicry, physical expression, emotional style of performance etc.) and the supporting facilities of the ancient theatre (stage, costumes, props etc.), i.e. how and why were some scenic moments solely communicated by means of language and directed towards the auditorium, whereas other scenes where presented more objectively, in an almost naturalistic way. The related question about a possible development and about the artistic evolution of the way in which Attic tragedy was performed (from Aeschylus to Euripides), a further development of the linguistic, acting and communication style of Attic theatre professionals, and the problem of the changing demands which were made on actors and the audience, should also not be negated and will be dealt with accordingly in the study.

In the course of the study, not only philological-literary methodology but also the methods related to artistic production and the aesthetics of a play and corresponding thought structures will be applied in order to avoid reducing tragedy and its performance technique to simple tools. What has thus far been considered safe scientific ground will not be departed from, and any undue updating will be avoided. A continuous proximity to ancient texts and to the stage form an essential prerequisite for this. Alongside written sources, supplementary iconographical as well as archaeological materials will be incorporated into the research. The actual method of investigation used will be that of the interpretation of many individual related passages. This method provides the opportunity to let oneself be guided by elements and correlations in the poetic language, and to evaluate conclusions which have been drawn on the basis of the interpretation. Compared to another possible category of research which would be based on the verification of conceived theories, this method is better suited to the task because of its impartiality.

Homepage: http://greek.theatre.univie.ac.at/home/