The Greek Theatre and Festivals Documentary Studies [Hardcover]

A collection of essays, by leading international scholars, on the history of the Greek theatre, and on the wider context of festival culture in which theatrical activity took place in the Greek world. The emphasis is on the documentary material - inscriptions, archaeological remains and monuments - which provides so much of our 'hard' evidence for the activities of the theatre. Much of the important material discussed here is unknown except to specialists, and these studies offer access to its interpretation to a wider audience. They cover a wide range of time and place, from the earliest days of the Greek theatre to the Roman period, with special emphasis on the neglected Hellenistic period, which is especially rich in documentary evidence.

Wilson's 'worm's-eye view' reveals fascinating and important new data and challenges many preconceived ideas. Wilson's stated aim is to energize the study of the documentary base of the Greek theatre and encourage others to explore differing trajectories of inquiry. To this end, Wilson and his contributors succeed in offering this detailed, thoughtful, and illuminating book, which should be essential reading for anyone seriously interested in studying the Greek theatre. --Classical World

Peter Wilson is William Ritchie Professor of Classics at the University of Sydney.