‘Ancient Greek Drama – with special emphasis on Sophocles’ Philoctetes’ (30.6-5.7.2014)

The Master Programme in Greek Civilization of Neapolis University, in cooperation with the International Institute for Ancient Greek Drama & Theatre, organized in the Amphitheatre of Neapolis University a one-week professional seminar under the title: ‘Ancient Greek Drama – with special emphasis on Sophocles’ Philoctetes’. The invited speakers were Mr George Mikellis, who is specialist in Theatre Studies, Dr Diotima Papadi, who is a Lecturer in Classics and the Coordinator of the Master Programme in Greek Civilization, Dr Klitos Ioannides, Professor of Philosophy and Aesthetics, and, of course, the Director, Mr Nikos Siafkalis. The audience consisted mainly of Secondary School Teachers, actors and Theatre/Art Students.

The event was addressed by the Director of the International Institute for Ancient Greek Drama & Theatre, Mr Nikos Siafkalis, and, on behalf of Neapolis University Dr Diotima Papadi.

Mr George Mikellis introduced the audience to the particular themes and motifs of Philoctetes, and attempted a comparative study between Sophocles’ Philoctetes and the Philoctetes of Yiannis Ritsos and Vasilis Ziogas.

Dr Diotima Papadi compared the tragic myth of Philoctetes with the myth in the epic tradition, while she also highlighted the interesting parallels with the historical circumstances of the play’s production in 5^th c. Athens. She also attempted an outline of the play’s characters, with special emphasis on the values that each of them defends.

Mr Siafkalis attempted a staging approach of Philoctetes, pointing out all those great themes and aspects of the tragedy which a good director must bring out and communicate to the audience.

Dr Klitos Ioannides placed Sophocles’ play in a broader spectrum of Philosophy, Myth, and Ethics, and focused on the intrinsic values of tragedy.

The last day of the seminar included a screening of Sophocles’ Philoctetes (under the direction of Nikos Siafkalis), and an open discussion. The speakers congratulated the attendants for their lively interest in Greek Drama and awarded them their certificates of attendance.