Theatre in Greece
- Perform in a production of an ancient Greek tragedy in Lawrence's sister city
- Study modern Greek language and classical Greek culture and history
- Earn 6 hours of academic credit through completion of the program and fulfill Goal 4.2
- Includes excursions to other sites in Greece, including Athens, Delphi, Mycenae & Corfu
2024 Dates:
On-Campus (Lawrence) classes & rehearsal: June 3-13, 2024
Depart U.S. for Athens: Friday, June 14, 2024
Arrive in Athens: Saturday, June 15, 2024
Depart Athens for U.S.: Saturday, July 27, 2024
The program will offer participants an opportunity to learn the Greek culture and language in its native environment, right in the midst of the township of Katohi, a rural farm community of Greece, and to experience preparing and performing a Greek tragedy in the ancient outdoor theatre of Oiniades.
A faculty instructor from the University of Kansas will lead the program with the assistance of two local instructors. The program takes place in the Greek village of Katohi, about three miles from the ancient hilly fort complex of Oiniades where the theatre is located. The program is jointly sponsored by the University of Kansas and the village of Katohi.
Katohi offers generous support in welcoming the program to the community. To show our appreciation for the tremendous goodwill, each student and faculty member will engage in cultural activities in English language, song and dance, and acting for the children of Katohi.
Students will rehearse and perform in a production of an ancient Greek tragedy. The production will be presented in the ancient theatre of Oiniades near the end of July. The students will receive instruction in Modern Greek language throughout the summer and the play will be performed in both Greek and English.
In addition to theatre production, participants will study modern Greek language, classical Greek culture, history of ancient Greek theatre and architecture, and Greek song and dance.
All students will earn six hours of undergraduate or graduate credit.
Undergraduate Students:
THR 304 Study Abroad Topics in: Summer Theatre (3 undergraduate credits)
CLSX 375 Studies in: Summer Theatre (3 credit hours)
Graduate Students:
THR 704 Study Abroad Topics in: Summer Theatre (3 graduate credits)
CLSX 675 Studies in: Summer Theatre
Note: This study abroad program fulfills Goal 4.2 for the KU Core.
Program Faculty
Professor Dennis Christilles is an Associate Professor in the Department of Theatre.
Dimitra Pitsikou, Language Instructor and Katohi resident, will teach a daily session in Modern Greek language.
Program participants and staff will reside in a pleasant school building on the quiet edge of Katohi. While in Katohi, three meals per day will be provided and included in the program fee. During excursions, hotel accommodations and some meals will be provided.
Athens (5 days): Upon arrival and the end of the program, the group will tour Athens before departing for Katohi. The program also includes excursions to sites such as Delphi, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Corinth, Nafplion, and Messolonghi. Participants will visit the Theatre of Dionysos, the Acropolis, and the National Museum among other historical and cultural sites.
Delphi (Daytrip): Delphi is the seat of the Delphic oracle featured in most Greek tragedies.
Messolonghi (Daytrip): The historic and sacred city of Messolonghi was the birthplace of modern Greek independence. We will visit the Garden of the Heroes of Greek Independence as well as a museum which includes a dedication to the English poet, Lord Byron, who gave his life in the cause of Greek liberty.
Nafplion Excursion (3 days): Nafplion was the first capital of Greece after it gained its independence in the 19th century. In Nafplion, participants will visit the historic Palamidi Fortress; a site of many of the significant events in the 19th century struggle for Greek Independence.
- Epidaurus: Participants will attend a professional production at this the most famous and well-preserved of the ancient theatres.
- Mycenae: The group will also visit was the legendary home of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra and is the site of the famous Bronze age fortress with its Lion Gate.
- Corinth: Corinth was a hub of commerce and culture in the ancient world. Participants will visit a temple to Apollo, as well as remnants of the ancient agora and baths.
SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Study abroad is achievable for students of all identities including our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and students with religious/non-religious viewpoints. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.
Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.
- Sexual and Gender Diversity
- Students of Color Abroad
- Visible and Invisible Disabilities
- Religious, Spiritual, and Non-Religious Students
- Adult Learners and Non-Traditional Students
- First Generation Students
- Students with Children
- Students with Financial Need
- Veterans, Active Duty, and ROTC
Open to undergraduate and graduate students from any accredited U.S. college of university who have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA (exceptions considered after submission of a petition). Students who participate in the program will be subject to rigorous physical exercise in the rehearsal and performance activities and on weekend excursions. The summer climate in Greece is extremely hot and only students who are in good health are encouraged to participate.
For More Information, Contact:
Dr. Dennis Christilles
Department of Theatre & Dance
785-864-2689
dchrist@ku.edu
Dr. Nathan Bowman