The Art of Ancient Greek Theater

The Art of Ancient Greek Theater. By happy coincidence, this site appeared just as this reviewer was concluding a section on Greek theater for a Theater History I course and thus could ask students to "test drive" the site in terms of its usefulness for the class. Developed as part of an exhibit that ran from August 2010 to early January 2011, the site includes three different, vitally important features: an images section (picturing the exhibited items), an interactive map, and a papyrus fragment (pictured and spoken).
All these combine to afford an appreciation for the golden age of Greek theater. The images section provides examples of vase paintings and sculpture that relate to either the plays presented in Greek theaters or production practices. This art represents, among other things, several surviving Greek tragedies: Aeschylus's The Libation Bearers, Sophocles' Oedipus, and Euripedes' Medea. One of this section's particular strengths is audio commentary on scenes represented on the artifacts. The interactive map shows the location of Greek theaters throughout the Mediterranean area. Many of the locations offer a picture of the remains of the theater (and directions to the site), and these serve the useful purpose of demonstrating the evolution of Greek theatrical architecture. The papyrus section features a fragment from Sophocles' satyr play, The Trackers. One can zoom in on the papyrus itself, and an audio recording in ancient Greek (as well as English) provides the rare opportunity to hear ancient Greek spoken. Well organized, quick, efficient, and easy to navigate, this impressive site provides visitors with an excellent way to enhance study of Greek theater and to marvel at the artwork connected to ancient Greek theater. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All users. -- M. D. Whitlatch, Buena Vista University Reviewed in ACRL's February 2011 CHOICE.