DRAMA & THEATRE
Melpomene, the ancient muse of tragedy, will bring out the most profound and meaningful emotions, inspiring you with the stories of others. And she is the Songstress: 'melpo': to celebrate with song and dance — the epithet also awarded to Dionysus, the god of theatre and patron of dramatic festivals.
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TARAS' TIPS:
“Follow in the footsteps of the heroes of tragedy, allowing yourself to be led to an intense, dramatic experience.”
From MacBeth's Scotland, where you'll enhance your knowledge and understanding of Shakespeare's infamous tragedy, to the reputed location in Rome where Caesar was warned about the Ides of March, enjoy all the drama as it unfolds before you.
The Theatre of Dionysus, Athens
GREECE
SCROLL THROUGH SOME OF MELPOMENE'S SUGGESTIONS
Sophocles’ Oedipus trilogy
The tragic saga of Oedipus has been immortalised by Sophocles’ dramatic retelling of the story. The city of Thebes provides the setting the mythological for the harrowing tale. Dramatic readings of the play in ancient Greek and English will create an unforgettable experience. Close to Athens, mount Olympus, Delphi and numerous other sites mentioned in the Greek literature and mythology, the significance and impact of the play will become even more profound.
Travel to the original settings of the masterpieces of Greek drama, such as Agamemnon's Mycenae or King Oedipus' Thebes. Or we can tailor your trip around the settings of your favourite play.
SAMPLE ITINERARY INSPIRED BY MELPOMENE AND CALLIOPE
A GREEK DRAMA
7 Nights
STOP ONE
A trilogy of tragedies
Behold the settings of Aeschylus' Oresteia trilogy—the masterpiece of Greek drama—and marvel at the Thebes of Oedipus Rex, beginning your journey in Mycenae before sunrise…
STOP THREE
Sparta, Pylos & The Pelopponnese
Head to Sparta and Pylos, home to The Odyssey's Helen and Nestor, before delving deep into the mountainous, southern regions of the Peloponnese.
STOP TWO
Trek on to Argolida
Argolida provides the perfect base from which to explore the Mycenaen world; you’ll head there to visit Diomedes' Tiryns and Argos, exploring rich, historical locations.
STOP FOUR
Salamis, Athens, and Attica
Visit the island of Salamis, home to the mighty warrior Ajax, and take in the splendour of Eleusis and Epidaurus in and around Athens and Attica.
SHAKESPEARE'S ITALY
Shakespeare uses Italy, either as the base or at least in part, for 14 of his 37 plays. Start in Venice and travel through this beautiful country. Explore the original settings of his great tragedy, Othello (subtitled, "The Moor of Venice"), take a loan to woo a wealthy woman ("The Merchant of Venice”), stand on a balcony, and wait for your true love (“Romeo and Juliet”), perhaps you will meet two gentlemen there too (The Two Gentlemen of Verona). Time for love and political incorrectness (Taming of the Shrew,) before seeing how one of the most famous Roman Emperor fell (“Julius Caesar”). Do you believe unrequited love can turn (“All’s Well That Ends Well”)? Maybe we need something to uplift our spirits, how about some fun and frivolity (“Much Ado About Nothing”)? As well as, Comedy of Errors takes place in Syracusa.
STOP ONE
Venice
"Othello" - The beginning of the play is set in Venice. Marvel in the streets, soak up the atmosphere. Observe the two bronze figures on top of the Torre dell’Orologio clock tower. A key reference in Othello as they are known as ‘i mori’, or ‘the Moors’.
"The Merchant of Venice" - Visit the Jewish quarter (‘Venetian Ghetto’) and Rialto Market, mentioned several times. Enjoy a private Gondola ride.
STOP TWO
Padua and Verona
"The Taming of the Shrew" - Stroll around The University of Padua, which was one of the first in the world, and mentioned by Shakespeare in this play.
"Romeo and Juliet" - set in Verona, the ultimate tragic love story. Visit Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta), stand on her balcony and make a plea.
STOP THREE AND FOUR
Florence and Rome
“All’s Well That Ends Well” - Set in Florence. When your love flees to Florence to fight in the Tuscan War, you follow.
“Julius Caesar” - Set in Rome and possibly Shakespeare's most iconic Roman tragedy and based on historical events. Explore the ancient Roman ruins. Stand by the Roman Forum and recite what Mark Anthony proclaimed during the eulogy for his fallen friend, “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears” .
STOP FIVE AND SIX
Sicily - Messina, Syracusa and Paleramo
“Much Ado About Nothing” - Set in Messina, Sicily. A romantic comedy with many scenes taking place in Leonato’s luscious outdoor garden. A play that brings together Shakespeare's best-loved themes.
A great way to end this adventure is with one of his earliest plays "Comedy of Errors" which takes place in Syracusa. This is his most farcical comedies!
Our Shakespearean journey ends Palermo, this wonderful city where the tragicomedy ‘The Winter's Tale’ is set. Visit the Palazzo dei Normanni, which is perfectly described in the play.
“I honestly count the two summers I spent with Archaeomuse as some of my fondest memories in life and teaching. They were great guides as they cared about creating a meaningful experience for the students and teachers.”
— Carolyn, English Teacher —
