On Friday 28th January, a group of suitably ecstatic sixth form Latin and Classical Civilisation students gathered for a performance of Euripides’ Bacchae.
The tragedy was streamed live from Warwick University and refreshments were laid on for the full cohort of students. The 30 students present loved the experience, with one U6th pupil commenting that it was ‘the best musical [she] had ever seen’ and another remarking, ‘It is these sorts of modern adaptations of tragedies which really enhance my learning; this is why I love Classics!’
Below Emma – Head of School and devoted classicist – gives her commentary of the evening. The image at the top of the page is a section from her hand-drawn artwork based on the storyline of the Bacchae.
‘What could be said about this experience? We certainly were not expecting for the Warwick Classics Department to turn this ancient tragic play into a high-energy musical. My favourite character by far was Pentheus who was very expressive and had excellent stage presence in his scenes questioning ‘the stranger’ Dionysus. I also loved the emotion shown by the actress who played Agave after she had ripped apart the limbs of her son, and slowly came to the realisation of the true horror of her crime. The decision to act out the ‘sparagmos’ was particularly unique as normally this scene takes place offstage. It was a brilliant evening which I will never forget. We all had a fun time, so thank you to our teachers for finding this absolute piece of art.’
Mr Morrison (Teacher of Classics)