Ancient Greek theatre continues to resonate with contemporary audiences by exploring timeless themes of morality, justice, and the human psyche. The exhibition will highlight how the National Theatre has embraced this relevance by focusing on four key elements of ancient drama: sound, space, dance, and community.
The Greeks: Radical Reinvention will offer a behind-the-scenes look at landmark National Theatre productions, including Paradise (2021), Medea (2014), and The Oresteia (1981). Visitors will be able to view a range of archival objects, from costume designs and model boxes to rehearsal footage and listening stations featuring recitals and music.
Curated by Dr. Lucy Jackson of Durham University, the exhibition aims to show how ancient plays can still ask “really pointed questions about the way we live now.” Dr. Jackson explains that the exhibition will go behind the scenes of the creative process, exploring “how disruptive and radical you can be in making a new version of a Greek tragedy while staying true to the spirit of the genre.”
The exhibition is free to visit and will run through early 2026. For those unable to attend in person, a digital version will also be available on the Bloomberg Connects app, which includes a range of accessibility features.
