The project will assess the relationship between ritual patterns, as they appear on the Greek stage and in sanctuaries in the broader sense. For this purpose, it will analyse gestures and rituals through cross-examination of tragedy and comedy plays, which will allow to grasp connections between myths and ritual practices. Furthermore, it aims to better understand the materiality of ritual actions and to study allusions to religion in Greek plays. As a result, the study aims to draw the so-called traditional features of theatre plays related to rituals, the way these have been reshaped and used to reshape tradition to make it fit actual theatrical needs, as well as actual ritual practices.

The project will examine the terminology related to rituals in sanctuaries and on stage and compare them with one another, with a specific focus on the link between rituals and gender. The interplay between rituals, gestures, objects, and language on stage, and their counterparts in sanctuaries, will be particularly addressed. In addition, selected depictions will be examined to determine the extent to which rituals are associated with specific gestures. Finally, it will analyse the terms used in plays and other sources (i.e. inscriptions) to describe ritual objects and props. Comparison to rituals performed in different kinds of spaces, i.e. sanctuaries, will allow to assess similarities and differences.

For further information on the project, please contact Prof. Valentina Di Napoli (dinapoli@upatras.gr).