Menander’s Characters in Context: From the 4th Century BC to the Modern Greek Stage
Menander was renowned—and still is—for his naturalistic representations of character and emotion. However, times change, and our ideas of what is ‘natural’ change with them. To appreciate Menander’s art fully, we need to attune ourselves to the expectations of his time, and for this there is no better guide than Aristotle (along with his successor Theophrastus), who described and analysed notions of character and emotion in brilliant detail. This book examines the relevant observations of Aristotle, and explores two of Menander’s comedies in this light. It also discusses how these comedies, which have only been recovered in the past century, were adapted and performed on the Modern Greek stage, where tastes were different and Menander had been virtually unknown. The book’s comparison of the ancient originals and the modern versions sheds new light on both, as well as on cultural values then and now.
Stavroula Kiritsi studied Greek Philology, specialising in Classics, at the University of Athens, and read Classics at Royal Holloway University of London, where she obtained her MA and PhD. Her research interests lie in classical Greek drama, particularly comedy, and its reception in the modern world, and Aristotle’s philosophy, especially his theory of character and emotions. She has published articles on Menander’s reception in Modern Greek theatrical productions; on Menander’s characters and their emotions; on Aristophanes’ reception in Modern Greece; and on Aristotle’s theory of pity in Greek tragedy and its reception in Modern Greek theatrical productions. Her current projects include a detailed study of the reception of New Comedy in Renaissance Italy and an examination of emotional responses of modern audiences to productions of Ancient Greek tragedy and comedy.
“Menander can seem impenetrable to many students and scholars interested in theatre and Greek literature, but with this excellent new book Stavroula Kiritsi has provided the means to get inside these important ancient plays and understand them far better then and now. This is achieved by placing the emotional aspects of Menander's characters within two fascinating and important contexts: the first is vital—contemporary fourth century BCE philosophical writings, especially Aristotle. This book contains a meticulously researched, fascinating and very useful discussion of philosophical approaches to ancient emotions and applies them to Menander’s plays to great effect. The second is an examination of the way Menander’s characters and their emotions have been interpreted in the modern Greek theatre and this helps us rethink Menander even further. This book should be required reading for any student of Menander at whatever level, as well as those in the theatre looking to translate, adapt, or stage his plays today.”
P. W. Meineck PhD
Professor of Classics in the Modern World, New York University
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