Ancient Theatre and Performance Culture Around the Black Sea

Combines archaeological evidence with literary analysis of key plays linked to the region to broaden the study of theatre outside fifth-century BCE Athens and allow comparison with the similarly colonial world of Southern Italy. Also offers a new route into Black Sea Greek and non-Greek culture(s) on the colonial periphery.

This is the first study of ancient theatre and performance around the coasts of the Black Sea. It brings together key specialists around the region with well-established international scholars on theatre and the Black Sea, from a wide range of disciplines, especially archaeology, drama and history. In that way the wealth of material found around these great coasts is brought together with the best methodology in all fields of study. This landmark book broadens the whole concept and range of theatre outside Athens. It shows ways in which the colonial world of the Black Sea may be compared importantly with Southern Italy and Sicily in terms of theatre and performance. At the same time, it shows too how the Black Sea world itself can be better understood through a focus on the development of theatre and performance there, both among Greeks and among their local neighbours.