Aristophanes' Clouds 2014 Lecture Programme

Study guide

Ancient Plays for Modern Minds: A Public Engagement Programme

To complement the production of Aristophanes’ Clouds, we shall be offering a series of talks and workshops which aim to illuminate the play and its context and to bring Aristophanes to life for a modern generation. This exciting programme includes talks by academic experts and public intellectuals, as well as interactive workshops by contemporary theatre practitioners. There are events on every day of the play’s performance, and each talk or workshop deals with an important angle of interpreting or performing the play. All of our speakers have experience in working with schools, and the events will be suitable for students of Classics, Classical Studies, and Drama, as well as accessible to those without prior experience of Greek drama.

Schedule for 2014

All events are free of charge and open to all. However, space is limited, and pre-booking is therefore essential: please reserve places for yourself and/or your group by emailing Dr Rosa Andújar. The workshops will last approximately 2 hours; the talks will last approximately 45 minutes, with time for questions at the end. Please note that workshop participants should be aged 16 and above.

  • Tuesday 11th February

3.15-5.15pm - Participatory Workshop on Performing Ancient Drama with Half-Masks by the Trestle Theatre Company. Venue: Haldane Room, Wilkins Building.  

6.00-7.00pm - Public Talk by Dr Rosa Andújar (UCL): ‘Comedy and Caricature in Aristophanes’ Theatre’. Venue: Bentham House B01 Main Lecture Theatre. 

  • Wednesday 12th February

3.15-5.15pm - Participatory Workshop by David Stuttard on Aristophanes’ Clouds: ‘Living in Cloud Cuckoo Land’. Venue: Chandler House B01.

6.00-7.00pm - Public Talk by Dr Jenny Bryan (UCL): ‘Socrates’ search for wisdom.’ Venue: Institute of Archaeology G6 Lecture Theatre. 

  • Thursday 13th February

3.15-5.15pm - Participatory Workshop on Mask-making with Fiona Williams. Venue: Gordon Square (24) 105.

6.00-7.00pm - Public Talk by Bettany Hughes: ‘Athens: the Theatre for Socrates’ Ideas’. Venue: Christopher Ingold XLG1 Chemistry Lecture Theatre.  *THIS EVENT IS NOW FULLY BOOKED* (Please contact Dr Andújar to join the reserve list)