Performing Greek Comedy

A new account of Greek comedy performance from its sixth-century origins to New Comedy, drawing upon fresh visual evidence.

Drawing upon a wide range of fresh visual evidence, Alan Hughes presents a new account of comedy production in the classical period. Clearly organised by topic, the book summarises contemporary research and disputes, on such subjects as acting techniques, theatre buildings, masks and costumes, music and the chorus.Alan Hughes presents a new complete account of production methods in Greek comedy. The book summarises contemporary research and disputes, on such topics as acting techniques, theatre buildings, masks and costumes, music and the chorus. Evidence is re-interpreted and traditional doctrine overthrown. Comedy is presented as the pan-Hellenic, visual art of theatre, not as Athenian literature. Recent discoveries in visual evidence are used to stimulate significant historical revisions. The author has directly examined 350 vase scenes of comedy in performance and actor-figurines, in 75 collections, from Melbourne to St Petersburg. Their testimony is applied to acting techniques and costumes, and women's participation in comedy and mime. The chapters are arranged by topic, for convenient reference by scholars and students of theatre history, literature, classics and drama. Overall, the book provides a fresh practical insight into this continually developing subject.