Theatre in Greece

  Greece

Rural Areas

Term: Summer 
Dates: Next Offering - 2010

Description: The program will offer participants an opportunity to learn the Greek culture and language in its native environment, right in the midst of the township of Katohi, a rural farm community of Greece, and to experience preparing and performing a Greek tragedy in the ancient outdoor theatre of Oiniades.

The company will be limited to a maximum of 14 participants. A faculty instructor from the University of Kansas will lead the program with the assistance of two local instructors. The program takes place in the Greek village of Katohi, about three miles from the ancient hilly fort complex of Oiniades where the theatre is located. The program is jointly sponsored by the University of Kansas and the village of Katohi.

The Theatre Production

The production Agamemnon by Aeschylus will be a part of the Oiniades Summer Theatre Festival in Katohi with a performance at the end of July. A portion of the play will be in Greek, but most lines will be spoken in English.

Courses Offered

Students will earn six hours of undergraduate or graduate credit (3 in Theatre & Film, 3 in Classics). In addition to theatre production, participants will study modern Greek, classical Greek culture, history of ancient Greek theatre and architecture, and Greek song and dance.

** Students who participate in the program will be subject to rigorous physical exercise in the rehearsal and performance activities and on weekend excursions. The summer climate in Greece is extremely hot and only students who are in good health are encouraged to participate.

Highlights: Excursions
Upon arrival, the group will tour Athens before departing for Katohi, with site visits en route. The program also includes excursions to sites such as Delphi, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Corinth, Nauplion, and Messolonghi.

* In Athens, from where we arrive and depart Greece, participants will visit the Theatre of Dionysos, the Acropolis, and the National Museum among other historical and cultural sites.
* Delphi is the seat of the Delphic oracle featured in most Greek tragedies.
* In Epidauros, participants will attend a professional production at this the most famous and well-preserved of the ancient theaters.
* Mycenae was the legendary home of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra and is the site of the famous Bronze age fortress with its "Lion Gate."
* Corinth was a hub of commerce and culture in the ancient world. Participants will visit a temple to Apollo, as well as remnants of the ancient agora and baths.
* Nauplion was the first capital of Greece after it gained its independence in the 19th century.
* The historic and sacred city of Messolonghi was the birthplace of modern Greek independence. We will visit the Garden of the Heroes of Greek Independence as well as a museum which includes a dedication to the English poet, Lord Byron, who gave his life in the cause of Greek liberty.

Cultural Exchange
Katohi offers generous support in welcoming the program to the community. To show our appreciation for the tremendous goodwill, each student and faculty member will engage in cultural activities in English language, song and dance, acting or arts and crafts for the children of Katohi.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Approximately $4,080

Tuition and Fees: Estimated tuition and fees for 6 credit hours (based on standard tuition rate): $1169 *
*Actual expenses for KU students will vary by the student's individual tuition compact. Non-KU students will pay the standard tuition rate listed above. (KU students enrolled in the Graduate School will pay slightly higher tuition.)

Estimated Additional Expenses: Airfare, meals during excursions in Greece, insurance, passport fees, books, rent in Lawrence for June and personal expenses. Estimated $2,760.

Note
All dates, costs, and program information are subject to change as necessary due to fluctuations in the exchange rate or other reasons.

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.