A small clay figurine of The Sphinx, a monstrous perversion of woman, lion and bird as described by Josh’s (D) Priest, was also a standout and further reminded them all that the events of the play, whilst dramatized so memorably by Sophocles, have their roots in historical fact. This was further emphasised by a visit to the ‘Fountain of Oedipus’ which is built at the spring where locals believe Oedipus washed the blood off his hands after murdering his father, or the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, home to the mystical Oracle referred to many times throughout the play, and a place of enormous significance in our understanding and appreciation of antiquity.
With two exhausting days spent putting the play into its social, historical and theatrical context and deepening everyone’s appreciation of what they were about to do, the third day was spent in the tranquil surroundings of the Mary Aroni Theatre making the necessary changes to allow it to play successfully in its unfamiliar, temporary new home. In their uniform black and red tour shirts, the cast worked hard and fast under the direction of twin tyrants Mr Saunders and Mr Quinn and at 20.30 on Thursday 6 July, Mr Price’s evocative score began and, to the familiar smell of incense, the 41st Bradfield Greek Play cast walked out to a crowd of two hundred people.
Ninety minutes later and the first performance was over. To everyone’s surprise and delight, the bow was followed by an impromptu photo call with the local Mayor and an entourage of local cultural emissaries, to award everyone with the ‘Medal of Thucydides’ for their outstanding contribution to the cultural life of Alimos, the district of Athens where the theatre is situated.
Day Four saw a break from rehearsals and performance and, after travelling the long and winding road through the beautiful Parnassus mountains, pupils were treated to a full day trip to the Corinth Canal and the breath-taking Theatre of Epidaurus; the largest remaining Greek Theatre which still hosts theatre productions. This historic location is the model upon which our own Greeker is modelled. Various cast members took the opportunity to recite a line of dialogue or chant a moment from the Parados in this awe-inspiring venue before the distant call of milkshakes beckoned and they returned home.
The fifth day brought the second, and final, performance of Oedipus The King and after some Herculean efforts by Mr Price to incorporate microphones into the performance to combat the local noise that had taken us a little by surprise on the first night, the curtain finally fell on the 2023 Bradfield Greek play. After a bloodied Harry led his fellow castmates in singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Mr Saunders, the dressing room door was locked and the cast returned home victorious with each of them very aware of quite how special the experience had been. They have all made a valued contribution to the legacy of the Bradfield Greek Play.
With no more rehearsals, performances or trips planned, the final day was spent relaxing on sun loungers and swimming in the crystal-clear blue waters of the Aegean, recharging batteries and getting ready for the inevitable return trip.
In the programme notes for the play at Bradfield, Mr Saunders had observed that Greek Theatre had literally changed his life and whilst this tour may not be able to lay claim to anything so dramatic for each cast and crew member, it was an unforgettable experience and will live long in the memory of all involved. A fitting way to bring down the curtain on the year- long 41st Bradfield Greek Play project in spectacular style.
