PCI Professor publishes new research on adapting Greek Tragedy for contemporary audiences
The chapter explores The Wife of Heracles, Professor Rodosthenous’ 2010 adaptation of Sophocles’ Women of Trachis, which reimagines the classical tragedy in a modern setting
A Professor at the School of Performance and Cultural Industries has published a new book chapter exploring the adaptation of Greek Tragedy for contemporary audiences.
As part of his research on Greek Tragedy, Professor George Rodosthenous – Professor of Theatre Directing – contributed ‘Directing the Wife of Heracles (2010) for a Contemporary Audience: Footballers, Hairdressers and Dispensing the Poison’ to the book Hercules Performed: The Hero on Stage from the Enlightenment to the Early Twenty-First Century (Brill, 2024), edited by Professor Emma Stafford (School of Languages, Cultures and Societies).
The chapter explores The Wife of Heracles, Professor Rodosthenous’ 2010 adaptation of Sophocles’ Women of Trachis, which reimagines the classical tragedy in a modern setting. In this version, Heracles becomes an international football superstar, while Deianeira is depicted as a hairdressing salon owner, reflecting contemporary themes and societal dynamics. The chapter examines the challenges and creative possibilities of trans-adapting ancient Greek texts for today’s audiences, focusing on how geographical and socio-political contexts influence narrative creation, character development, and the direction of the mise-en-scène.
Discussing the themes of Women of Trachis, Professor Rodosthenous comments:
“Not many plays, in any part of history, deal with issues of arranged marriages, betrayal, euthanasia, gullibility, loyalty, obedience, revenge and rushed decisions. Perhaps it would be an overwhelming task to deal with all of these issues in a single play. And that is why one would really struggle to find (m)any productions of Women of Trachis (413 BCE) in any part of the world.”
The chapter reflects on the influence of contemporary playwrights, including Martin Crimp, whose work Cruel and Tender shaped the language and stylistic choices of the adaptation. It also highlights Rodosthenous’ use of musicalisation, symmetries, and improvisation in crafting a compelling modern narrative.
In recognition of his innovative research and directorial practice, Professor Rodosthenous has been invited to deliver lectures at the University of Patras, Greece (October 2024), Taylor's University, Malaysia (December 2024), and the University of Athens, Greece (April 2025).
