Dive into the art, literature and ideas of the Ancient Greeks and Romans as interpreted and re-imagined by outstanding artists today, at Classics Now, an exciting new cultural festival taking place this weekend.
Using Classics as a lens, a selection of international and Irish artists, writers and thinkers set about examining our contemporary cultural and political preoccupations and challenges. The fascinating three-day programme features a series of inviting encounters including readings and performances which take place online, in Dublin’s public spaces and beyond.
The festival opens with Eurydice and Orpheus: Words and Music, a performance exploring the many facets of the myth of Orpheus and its influence, in music, poetry and prose, ancient and modern. Other highlights include a screening of Orphée, Cocteau’s enigmatic re-imagining of the Opheus myth at the IFI, and what promises to be a very stimulating In Conversation discussion featuring Shadi Bartsch and Mary Beard, which can be viewed online from 8pm on Sunday January 29th.
Classics Now! Friday 27th – Sunday 29th January 2023
Friday 27th January
Eurydice and Orpheus: Words and Music, National Concert Hall, 7pm
Subversive Power: Helen Morales and Stephanie McCarter, online from 6pm
Saturday 28th January
Live events at Classical Museum, UCD: Guided tour and drawing workshop, 11am – 1.30pm
Staging Greek Tragedy: Peacock stage, Abbey Theatre, 3pm
An evening with Natalie Haynes: Peacock stage, Abbey Theatre, 6pm
Sunday 29th January
The Odyssey – Nostos: Return to Ithaca: Dublin City Gallery: the Hugh Lane, 12 noon
Of Gods and Men: John Banville and Laura Beatty, National Concert Hall, 3.30pm
Orpheus on Screen: Cocteau’s Orphée, IFI, 6.15pm
In Conversation: Shadi Bartsch and Mary Beard, online from 8pm.
Classics now takes place between Friday 27th – Sunday 29th January 2023.
Details of all programme and booking information can be found here.
