The Ancient/Modern Mixer

Upon reading Bursting the Grape, I quite enjoyed the integration of modern concepts with ancient concepts in regards to theatre. 

One of the elements that struck me was the question of Ariadne’s virginity in the play; generally, Ariande’s virtue was not as much of a discrepancy as portrayed in the play.  This question that was drawn into the play was a new twist on the myths of Ariadne.  It was intrigueing to see the director and writer's spin on these mythically prevalent characters and the relations between them.  The combination of ancient Greek theatre standards with modern influences was also interesting- according to the review they had a chorus of satyrs, as well as several main actors, all of which spoke with rhythm or in song, which is what is believed today as accurate in ancient Greek theatre.  However, there were also elements of creative, modern theatre- the guiding of the audience into the Citrus Grove by an actor was something perhaps not done in ancient times, but rather a creative choice by the director.  There was also a woman on stage in this production which was not typical in ancient Greek theatre.  Normally, the women were played by men in masks; this production included a female playing the women’s roles and she did not wear a mask in the role of Ariadne.

I quite enjoyed the creative choices made in this play.  It interested me to imagine a play based on ancient times and ancient myths portrayed in a modern way, but still integrated with ancient Greek elements.

Below: Ariadne with Dionysus in a Greek vase painting http://www.theoi.com/Georgikos/Ariadne.html