Fragmentary Mixing Vessel with Oedipus Discovering the Truth, Greek, made in Sicily, 330–320 B.C.; found in Syracuse. Fragmentary red-figured calyx krater attributed to the Capodarso Painter

Fragmentary Mixing Vessel with Oedipus Discovering the Truth, Greek, made in Sicily, 330–320 B.C.; found in Syracuse. Fragmentary red-figured calyx krater attributed to the Capodarso Painter. Terracotta, 9 7/15 x 18 1/2 in. (24 x 30 cm). Museo Archeologico Regionale Paolo Orsi, Syracusa, Italy, 66557. Su concessione dell’Assessorato ai Beni Culturali e dell’Identità Siciliana della Regione Siciliana – Palermo

Works of art offer a tantalizing window onto the world of ancient Greek theater, providing rich clues to the stories, music, costumes, masks, and actors of ancient tragedies, satyr plays, and comedies.

I hope you’ll enjoy this talk, which complements the exhibition The Art of Ancient Greek Theater. In the full talk, I discuss the origins of ancient Greek drama; describe the role of Dionysos, god of ecstatic transformation; and highlight a variety of beautifully painted ancient vessels featuring scenes from ancient Greek theater. (You can see many of the objects I discuss in the exhibition slideshow.) The excerpt focuses on the only known Greek painting of tragedy being performed on stage.

Hear the Entire Talk
The talk begins with an introduction by Karol Wight, senior curator of antiquities. Running time: 41:33

Highlight: Oedipus Discovering the Truth
Running time: 2:23

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