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In recent years the theatre world, both in London and internationally, has shown great interest in performing ancient Greek plays. This term we will be discuss plays by Sophocles. We will discuss the plot, the main themes, the symbolisms and how they reflect the human condition of all ages. You don’t need to be an expert in ancient Greek culture or the theatre, just have an enquiring mind.
What will we cover?
We will discuss some of the most famous plays written by Sophocles. We will explore key themes and differing interpretations of their meaning, the historical context in which the texts were written, and why they have continued to resonate across the centuries.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Locate key texts in the context of the classical Greek world, with a basic knowledge of how they would have been received (understood) when they were first performed.
Contribute to a discussion on the main themes including why they are still performed today.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
You don’t need to have any previous experience or knowledge. The course is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for anyone with an enquiring mind and an interest in the ancient Greek plays. Nevertheless, a GCSE-level grasp of reading and speaking English is recommended.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
This course will combine in-class, presentation by the tutor and group discussions.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Maria Contos has published many stories with mythical themes. She has also written and performed puppet shows and plays based on myths. She has adopted myths for television and theatre, teaches mythology and runs creative writing workshops. She also teaches languages.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/ancient-greek-drama-an-introduction319382Ancient Greek drama: an introductionhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/n/ancient-greek-drama-an-introduction-rt202-1200.jpg4949GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Ancient civilisations/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Ancient civilisations/Classical literature22851177119114741228511771191Have a taste of exploring the ancient Athenian stage, and how they still speak to us about the challenges we face today.253030856Ancient Greek drama: an introduction259259https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/n/ancient-greek-drama-an-introduction-rt202-1200_1.jpgInStockDaytimeTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-09-29T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersSep 2026Culture, history & humanitiesRT202259259Ancient Greek drama: an introduction207168259Maria Contosancient-greek-drama-an-introduction/rt202-2627Have a taste of exploring the ancient Athenian stage, and how they still speak to us about the challenges we face today.0000-Available|2026-09-29 00:00:00In recent years the theatre world, both in London and internationally, has shown great interest in performing ancient Greek plays. In this taster course, we will discuss some of the most famous ancient Greek plays. We will discuss the plot, the main themes, the symbolisms and how they reflect the human condition of all ages.<br>You don’t need to be an expert in ancient Greek culture or the theatre, just have an enquiring mind.Have a taste of exploring the ancient Athenian stage, and how they still speak to us about the challenges we face today.We will discuss some of the most famous plays written by Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides and Aristophanes. We will explore key themes and differing interpretations of their meaning, the historical context in which the texts were written, and why they have continued to resonate across the centuries.<ul><li>Locate key texts in the context of the classical Greek world, with a basic knowledge of how they would havebeen received (understood) when they were first performed.</li><li>Contribute to a discussion on the main themes including why they are still performed today.</li></ul>This is a taster course so you don’t need to have any previous experience or knowledge. <br>The course is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for anyone with an enquiring mind and an interest in the ancient Greek plays. Nevertheless, a GCSE-level grasp of reading and speaking English is recommended.This course will combine in-class, presentation by the tutor and group discussions.A notepad and a pen.Any other City Lit courses offered in Classics history or literature.Ancient civilisationsClassical literaturevirtual2991599Ancient Greek drama: an introduction4949https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/n/ancient-greek-drama-an-introduction-rt202-1200_4.jpgInStockDaytimeTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2026-05-12T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersMay 2026Culture, history & humanitiesRT2024949Ancient Greek drama: an introduction393249Maria Contosancient-greek-drama-an-introduction/rt202-2526Have a taste of exploring the ancient Athenian stage, and how they still speak to us about the challenges we face today.0000-Available|2026-05-12 00:00:00<p>In recent years the theatre world, both in London and internationally, has shown great interest in performing ancient Greek plays. This term we will be discuss plays by Sophocles. We will discuss the plot, the main themes, the symbolisms and how they reflect the human condition of all ages.<br/>You don’t need to be an expert in ancient Greek culture or the theatre, just have an enquiring mind.</p>Have a taste of exploring the ancient Athenian stage, and how they still speak to us about the challenges we face today.<p>We will discuss some of the most famous plays written by Sophocles. We will explore key themes and differing interpretations of their meaning, the historical context in which the texts were written, and why they have continued to resonate across the centuries.</p><ul><li>Locate key texts in the context of the classical Greek world, with a basic knowledge of how they would have been received (understood) when they were first performed.</li><li>Contribute to a discussion on the main themes including why they are still performed today.</li></ul><p>You don’t need to have any previous experience or knowledge.<br/>The course is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for anyone with an enquiring mind and an interest in the ancient Greek plays. Nevertheless, a GCSE-level grasp of reading and speaking English is recommended.</p>This course will combine in-class, presentation by the tutor and group discussions.A notepad and a pen.<p>The course on Euripides' plays in Term 3</p>Ancient civilisationsClassical literaturevirtual207,39259,49168,32RT202NONETue12/05/26 - 19/05/2612:15 - 14:1512:1514:152 sessions (over 2 weeks)25-10 weeks,1 to 4 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetMaria ContosBeginnersAvailable courses2026-09-29T00:00:00+00:00,2026-05-12T00:00:00+00:00Sep 2026,May 2026Culture, history & humanities49259,49Ancient Greek drama: an introductionancient-greek-drama-an-introduction/rt202-2627,ancient-greek-drama-an-introduction/rt202-2526Have a taste of exploring the ancient Athenian stage, and how they still speak to us about the challenges we face today.0000-Available|2026-05-12 00:00:00In recent years the theatre world, both in London and internationally, has shown great interest in performing ancient Greek plays. In this taster course, we will discuss some of the most famous ancient Greek plays. We will discuss the plot, the main themes, the symbolisms and how they reflect the human condition of all ages.<br>You don’t need to be an expert in ancient Greek culture or the theatre, just have an enquiring mind.,<p>In recent years the theatre world, both in London and internationally, has shown great interest in performing ancient Greek plays. This term we will be discuss plays by Sophocles. We will discuss the plot, the main themes, the symbolisms and how they reflect the human condition of all ages.<br/>You don’t need to be an expert in ancient Greek culture or the theatre, just have an enquiring mind.</p>Have a taste of exploring the ancient Athenian stage, and how they still speak to us about the challenges we face today.We will discuss some of the most famous plays written by Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides and Aristophanes. We will explore key themes and differing interpretations of their meaning, the historical context in which the texts were written, and why they have continued to resonate across the centuries.,<p>We will discuss some of the most famous plays written by Sophocles. We will explore key themes and differing interpretations of their meaning, the historical context in which the texts were written, and why they have continued to resonate across the centuries.</p><ul><li>Locate key texts in the context of the classical Greek world, with a basic knowledge of how they would havebeen received (understood) when they were first performed.</li><li>Contribute to a discussion on the main themes including why they are still performed today.</li></ul>,<ul><li>Locate key texts in the context of the classical Greek world, with a basic knowledge of how they would have been received (understood) when they were first performed.</li><li>Contribute to a discussion on the main themes including why they are still performed today.</li></ul>This is a taster course so you don’t need to have any previous experience or knowledge. <br>The course is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for anyone with an enquiring mind and an interest in the ancient Greek plays. Nevertheless, a GCSE-level grasp of reading and speaking English is recommended.,<p>You don’t need to have any previous experience or knowledge.<br/>The course is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for anyone with an enquiring mind and an interest in the ancient Greek plays. Nevertheless, a GCSE-level grasp of reading and speaking English is recommended.</p>This course will combine in-class, presentation by the tutor and group discussions.A notepad and a pen.Any other City Lit courses offered in Classics history or literature.,<p>The course on Euripides' plays in Term 3</p>Ancient civilisationsClassical literatureconfigurable
14741191Classical literaturehttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/ancient-civilisations/classical-literature1/2/285/1177/1191/14741/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Ancient civilisations/Classical literature
The Odyssey reading group (in translation)Full fee £139.00 Senior fee £139.00 Concession £90.00
