Context

Ancient Greece was the birthplace of Drama & Theatre. Some of the oldest
surviving dramatic stories were originally performed annually, thousands of
years ago to please the numerous Gods, who all looked favourably on plays. In
Ancient Greek culture, if the Gods were pleased with the performances, then
the weather, the crops and the shipping lanes of the Aegean, Mediterranean
and Ionian seas were protected and blessed for another year.

Greek mythology is a huge part of our human heritage, and there are many
fables from thousands of years ago that tell us of morality, brave heroes, brutal
battles, triumphant victories and evil beasts.

The Myths
The legend of Odysseus
Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, is probably the most famous hero of all time. His
story is a myth with monsters, bad luck and much adventure. The story of
Odysseus is the long trip of a man who has only one aim, to go back to his
beloved homeland and his family. Odysseus left Troy after years of war and
started his journey to his home on Ithaca. However, this journey was long and
adventurous.

The legend of Theseus

Theseus was a semi-mythical, semi-historical figure. The myth says that he had
two fathers, king Aegeus of Athens and the God Poseidon. As he descended from
a God, he had super-natural powers. The most famous labour of Theseus was
the killing of the Minotaur in Crete, Greece to relieve Athens from the burden of
sacrificing seven young men and seven young women to this monstrous figure.
After the death of king Aegeus, Theseus became King of Athens and legend says
that his first wife was an Amazon.

Jason & The Argonauts

The myth of Jason, his fellow Argonauts and the trip to get the Golden Fleece
has enthralled the world. This is a story of excitement, danger and adventure.
Jason, the legitimate King of Iolcus, sets voyage on his ship, Argo, to the foreign
land of Colchis to get the Golden Fleece and prove that he is worthy to become
King. On the way, he encounters many troubles and delays. Even when he
arrives in Colchis, he must confront the deceptions of the local King.

The Myth of Persephone

The myth of Persephone is known throughout the world. The sweet daughter
of Greek goddess Demeter who was kidnapped by Hades and later became the
Queen of the Underworld. This is the myth of the ancient Greeks to explain the
change of the seasons, the eternal cycle of nature's death and rebirth.
Persephone is understood to be a naïve little girl who flows between the
protection of the mother and the love of her husband. The myth of Persephone
was very popular in ancient times, and it is said that her story was represented
in the Eleusinian Mysteries, the most secret celebrations of ancient Greece.

Orpheus & Eurydice

The myth of Orpheus and Eurydice is a great tragic tale. Orpheus falls in love
with nymph, Eurydice, and when she dies, right after their wedding, he descends
to the Underworld. There he convinces the God of the underworld, Hades, to
allow his wife to come back to Earth so that they could lead a normal life. Hades
agrees but caveats the release of Eurydice, and tricks Orpheus into killing her.
This tragic story has inspired many painters and it is the basic concept for many
operas and songs.

The Fall of Icarus

The myth of Daedalus and Icarus shows us that the power of man has no limits,
but also that we should be very careful how to use this power. Icarus could fly
with his wings, however when he flied too close to the sun, his wings were burnt,
and he fell to the sea. The closest island to where Icarus fell and drowned took
the name Ikaria and is still known as such today.

What you must do

Each group must select a Greek Myth. They must research their myth, interpret
the story and present it as a piece of narration & storytelling.
The style in which it is presented isn’t defined, therefore you can choose to tell
your story as a tragic melodrama, a goofball comedy or a soaring romance.

Creativity is encouraged. Don’t stray too far from the story though.

Each performance MUST include the following:

• A narrator (or several actors who take sections of narration)

• A Greek Chorus (a large ensemble of actors who MOVE and SPEAK as one,
usually used to comment on the actions of the characters)
• Use of the given props – you may use them however you wish, but they
must be included in the final performance.

Props
Every group has the following props which they MUST include in their retelling
of their Myth.

2 x stage blocks
2 x expressive masks

Lighting
You will have ONE basic warm wash for your performance. As in Ancient Greece,
the plays were performed in the afternoon in summer sun. Yours will be no
different.

Sound
Use of sound effects is encouraged, although you cannot pre-record and play
them. All sounds effects should be made live by actors/participants with voices,
body-percussion or instruments.

Performance Space
The ancient Greeks would have usually performed in an amphitheatre; however,
we will be using the Octagon.
Judgements

Interpretation Realisation Creativity Performance

21-25 marks The interpretation The story has A mature and Performance
shows a strong been fully realisedsophisticated skills are highly
understanding of the with flare, energy level of creativity developed, with
myth and recognises and and imagination excellent use of
the demands of the professionalism. has been used in voice, movement
story. the development and space.
of this piece.
16-20 marks The interpretation is The story has A good level of Performance
good and pays been realised with creativity has skills are well
homage to the skill and some been used in the developed, some
original story. attention to development of good use of
detail. this piece. voice, movement
and space.
11-15 marks The interpretation The story has Some creativity Performance
shows signs of skill been realised but on display here, skills are growing
but isn’t fully lacks consistency showing signs of and there is
developed. and detail. growing some use of
confidence. voice, movement
and space.
6-10 marks There is little Moments of the Little creativity There are very
interpretation here, story have been on display. few performance
more just a re-telling realised, but there skills on display
of the story. are gaps in the in this piece.
narrative.
0-5 marks No interpretation No realisation was No creative input No performance
has been attempted. achieved. whatsoever. skills seen
whatsoever.
Sub Totals: 25 25 25 25
Total: 100