Open Research Europe (Nov 2022)
Reception of the values of the Aeschylus drama and mnemonic imprints by ancient tragedy spectators [version 1; peer review: 2 approved]
Abstract
Background: Ancient Greek tragedy remains today a special dramatic genre that expresses the concept of the classic through time, perhaps better than any other form of art and culture, representing, as a theatrical expression, the vision of the conception and expression of values of a particular era. In this context, the purpose of the present research is to study the humanitarian values of European culture, as they are expressed in ancient Greek drama, and to highlight the way in which these values are projected through modern drama and are impressed on the spectators. Methods: To achieve this goal, 105 spectators watched the tragedy of Aeschylus ‘Seven against Thebes’ directed by Cesaris Grauzinis and answered, both immediately after watching the performance and six months later, a questionnaire, in order to record their opinions about the theatre performance they had attended. Results: According to the findings of the comparative analyses, it emerged that the messages and values governing the work remain unchanged for its viewers over time. The memory is based on original audio-visual elements and directorial findings, confirming that it preserves the messages of the symbolism of the performance as well as the channels through which they were conveyed to the audience. Conclusions: The correspondences between the past and the present, as well as the contrasts on stage, contributed to the reproduction of the fundamental moral values that the dramatic work brought, highlighting the work and messages of Aeschylus.
