Storytelling and ancient Greek symbolism through contemporary dance: an exploration into ancient Greek tragedy, the khoros and tragic characters/ Natalia Skarpeta (2024)

“Performance is an illusion of an illusion and, as such, might be considered more ‘truthful’, more ‘real’ than the ordinary experience.” (Schechner, 1987). This written document is an analysis and reflection of the research that resulted in the performative work Andromache’s Tales. The texts to follow explain the theoretical framework and choreographic processes implored whilst exploring my main research question: The translation and staging of Ancient Greek tragedy through contemporary dance. My research explores the cultural roots of Ancient Greek tragedy and its integral role in storytelling, with a specific emphasis on the tragedy of Andromache. The focus was on the choreographic reinterpretation of tragic characters and the reimagining/repurposing of the Khoros or chorus1 within a storyline. Through an interdisciplinary lens, multiple academic sources, archaeological artefacts, and studies on Ancient Greek dance, I have worked on developing choreographic methodologies in recreating tragic characters and the ensemble dynamics of the Greek Khoros. Drawing upon insights from narrative theory, choreography, musical composition, anthropological studies and set design, this thesis examines the creative processes I utilised in translating this ancient story through dance and symbolism turning it into a contemporary embodied performance. Ultimately, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamic interplay between a classical and ancient form of performance and innovation in the realm of dance and theatre, offering insights into the enduring resonance of Ancient Greek tragedy, represented in the modern dance world.