Exploring Greek Tragedies in 20th-Century Drama at the Royal Łazienki Museum Exhibition

This exhibition, part of the 'Readings in the Museum' series, explores contemporary interpretations of Greek tragedies in 20th-century dramatic works by Jean Cocteau, Jean Giraudoux, and Jean-Paul Sartre. It delves into how these playwrights reinterpreted ancient myths to comment on their own times.

The "Readings in the Museum" workshop series focuses on the enduring influence of Greek tragedy, examining its modern manifestations in 20th-century dramatic literature. The exhibition specifically highlights the works of Jean Cocteau, Jean Giraudoux, and Jean-Paul Sartre, who each offered unique perspectives on ancient myths in response to their contemporary historical and philosophical contexts. The program covers "Orpheus, or Sparagmos" by Cocteau (drawing parallels with Euripides' "Bacchae"), "Electra, or Integral Justice" by Giraudoux (exploring themes of justice in the interwar period), and Sartre's "The Flies" (a post-WWII existentialist take on Orestes and Electra's revenge). Each session, lasting 210 minutes, will be led by Dr. Jagoda Hernik Spalińska, a scholar of theatre and drama. The workshops aim to provide a deep dive into these influential plays, discussing their connections to ancient Greek drama, their engagement with historical events such as World War II, and their philosophical underpinnings. The program seeks to illuminate how these 20th-century playwrights used classical themes to address contemporary issues, offering critical insights into concepts of justice, fate, and human freedom.

Admission is 20 PLN per person. Tickets can be purchased at the museum's ticket offices (Stajnie Kubickiego, Podchorążówka, Stara Oranżeria) and online via the provided link.