Representation and novelty in Aeschylus' Theoroi

Thomas, Oliver

Abstract

This article argues in favour of the view that in Aeschylus' Theoroi (aka Isthmiastai) the satyrs had absconded from Dionysus’ choral training, and dedicate a set of votive masks on Poseidon’s Isthmian temple. I propose that at the end of fr. 78c Dionysus offers them javelins and suggests that they dance a pyrrhikhe. This plot rests on a blurring of the distinctions between satyr, human character and human performer. I interpret how Aeschylus managed plot, scenery, masks, costume and language in order to transform this blurring to elicit from the audience humorous reflection on the nature of dramatic innovation and of drama as a representational medium.

Citation

Thomas, O. (2019). Representation and novelty in Aeschylus' Theoroi. Bulletin of the Institute of Classical Studies, 62(2), 67-79. https://doi.org/10.1111/2041-5370.12107

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 22, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Dec 29, 2019
• Publication Date: Dec 29, 2019
• Deposit Date: Nov 28, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 30, 2021
• Journal: Bulletin of the Institute of Classical Studies
• Print ISSN: 0076-0730
• Electronic ISSN: 2041-5370
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 62
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 67-79
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/2041-5370.12107
• Keywords: Aeschylus; Theoroi; Satyr; Representation; Novelty
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1033318
• Publisher URL: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/2041-5370.12107
• Additional Information: This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: THOMAS, O. (2019), REPRESENTATION AND NOVELTY IN AESCHYLUS’ THEOROI∗. Bulletin of the Institute of Classical Studies, 62: 67-79, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1111/2041-5370.12107. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions.
• Contract Date: Nov 28, 2018