Euripides’ HERAKLES: Greek Tragedy with Ancient Music

Barnard Columbia Ancient Drama presents the first modern staging of a Greek tragedy in the original language with a full score of ancient Greek music for a reconstructed aulos, the double reed wind instrument that originally accompanied the dramas in ancient Athens. Euripides’ “Herakles” was first performed around 416 BCE at the City Dionysia festival. It tells the story of Herakles’ madness and slaughter of his household as the culmination of his heroic labors. This staging of “Herakles” with ancient Greek music shows how the sound of the aulos breaks into the play’s dramatic action to control Herakles’ body as it choreographs his ruin.

Please note, this performance is in the original ancient Greek. Subtitles can be switched on in English through the Closed Caption icon on the toolbar. Ancient Greek, Italian, and Chinese subtitles are coming soon!

Performed April 4-6th, 2019 in Minor Latham Playhouse in New York City. Since 1977, BCAD has produced an annual ancient drama in the original Greek or Latin in memory of Matthew Alan Kramer.

Directed with Executive Production by Caleb Simone
Assistant Direction by Rachel Herzog and Elizabeth McNamara
Produced by Caitlin Morgan
Melody composed by Anna Conser
Aulos accompaniment composed and performed by Callum Armstrong
Aulos reconstructed based on the Megara & Elgin models by Robin Howell
Choreography by Jon Froehlich with Samuel Humphreys
Videography by Dancing Camera, Brooklyn
Sound Design and Audio Edit by Matt Rocker, Underground Audio NYC
Set Design by Cate McCrea
Lighting Design by 22 Lighting Studio
Costume Design by Bo Yeon Jang with Allegra Forbes
Props by Eastern Wind Studio

With support from:
The Matthew Alan Kramer Fund
The Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation
The Onassis Foundation USA
A Barnard College Presidential Award
Barnard Alumna Marietta Voeglis (1954)