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Gendered interpretations: two fourth-century B.C.E. performances of Sophocles' Electra.(Critical Essay)

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From: Helios
Date: 20050322
Author:Duncan, Anne

While the evidence for theatrical practice in the ancient world is admittedly spotty, we are fortunate to have anecdotal evidence concerning two different performances of Sophocles' Electra, both from the fourth century B.C.E., by two of the most famous tragic actors in ancient Greece, Theodorus and Polus, who apparently played Electra. The evidence suggests that their performances may have differed widely; it is even conceivable that the role was something of a yardstick for measuring great actors of the day (a la Hamlet). (1) I will argue that these two "star" actors gave ...

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