The project focuses on the conceptualisation of slaves in Greek and Roman dramatic texts and contrasts the resulting concepts with (or compares them to) expressions of the slaves themselves which are observable primarily in manumission inscriptions placed in theatres. By analysing the various ways in which the topic was fed into the perception of theatregoers (e.g. placement, separation/bundling, and design of manumission inscriptions, or conceptualisation of slaves in dramatic texts and ancient depictions), it explores ancient slaves as a marginalised category in Graeco-Roman society. Furthermore, the study of modern reception of slaves as depicted in ancient theatre allows to reflect on the shifting approaches to the topic that vary according to the period in which they have been formulated.

The methodology of this project includes the study of ancient Greek and Roman dramatic texts and images where slaves appear, the analysis of ancient Greek and Roman theatrical buildings where manumission inscriptions are present, as well as the examination of modern reception of slaves as depicted in the ancient Graeco-Roman theatre. As a result, the project will explore the multifaceted constructing of slaves, with a special focus on their otherness, in order to understand more fully the role of slaves in ancient Greece and Rome. Finally, it explores the role of theatre as a focal point for discourse on marginalised people.

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