A series of 13 programmes which tell the story of the theatre from its earliest beginnings to the present day. Written and presented by Ronald Harwood 2: Enter Dionysus
The birth of the drama as an art in Ancient Greece. Never has so much theatrical energy been released in so short a time in a single place; it resulted in an art form which is the basis of modern drama.
This programme evokes the spirit of Dionysus, the god of the theatre, reveals an ingredient common to all Greek drama, the Chorus, and looks at the plays of three great tragic playwrights - Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides. Extracts from The Oresteia and The Bacchae - among the most momentous scenes in all drama - were specially filmed in the amphitheatres of Epidauros and Dodoni.
Those taking part include
Edward Fox , Terence Stamp
Melina Mercouri, Michael Elliott Karolos Koun and the Greek Art Theatre
Film editor MALCOLM DANIEL
Executive producer RICHARD CAWSTON Producer HARRY HASTINGS
Directed by KEITH CHEETHAM
* Subtitles on Ceefax page 270