The Ancient Greece (1200 B.C. – 146 B.C.) is one of the most fascinating civilizations in history. Culture played a big role in its inhabitants’ lives: Going to the theatre, for example, was an educational and political tradition. The majority of the free citizens attended the theatre festivals, and the State even used to pay the entrance for those who couldn’t afford it. Thousands of years later, the plays are still performed all around the world.
In Albis Teatro is a high school theatre group from the southern town of Morón de la Frontera, Spain. Since its foundation in 1999, around two hundred students have acted in In Albis, until reaching the number of 35 that make up the group today. They exclusively perform Greek and Latin Classical theatre, using it as a tool for educational and integrative purposes. To meet the roots of the theatre they’ve performed for years, they took a trip to Greece. More specifically, they spent a week visiting the historical, captivating regions of Attica and the Peloponnese. María from Spain asked them: How would you feel if you were an actor or actresses in ancient times?
Then And Now
View from the top of the ancient city of Mycenae
Elena (17)
I’d be really sad, because women weren’t allowed to be actresses in Ancient Greece. The feminine roles were portrayed by men wearing costumes and masks.
The Dream Role
Temple of Poseidon in the Peloponnese
Ana (20)
I would be inspired by the Ancient Greece, just like the Romans. In fact, I’d love to play my favourite feminine role, which is Staphyla, from Plautus’ play Aulularia. The comedy, also known as The Pot of Gold, was based in what was called the new Greek comedy and has been performed by our group In Albis. I think that Staphyla, the protagonist’s servant, is the funniest character.
Cape Sounion
Jonathan (19)
I’d be part of a Parabasis, which happened when the chorus occupied the stage and deliberately interrupted the play to talk about a relevant matter. I’d love to use that resource to criticize the country’s politics.
Lion Gate (Mycenae)
Adriana (15)
Well, duh! I’m an actress, I would just act!
Picturing a New Life
Cape Sounion
Ana (22)
If I were to act in Ancient Greece, I’d need a routine before performing as a good luck charm. I would definitely have a swim in the Mediterranean Sea to try to visit my favourite God, Poseidon.
View of the Parthenon from the ancient Agora of Athens
Javier (20) and Alejandro (19)
We would be rivals, of course! We would fight to be the most famous actors in the whole Hellas.
Too Many Spectators!
Streets of Athens
José (15)
Seeing so many people dressed with the traditional Greek attire would make me so excited I would probably pee myself.
Temple of Hephaestus in Athens
Eva (20)
My dream would be to perform in the Theater of Epydaurus. When we visited it, I was shocked how monumental it was. I would be very intimidated, too, because there would be more than 13,000 people watching me.
