Ryerson University Theatre

THF: 317 WORLD THEATRE AND DANCE

This programme is a study of classical and contemporary Greek Theatre and dance through dynamic seminars, entertaining workshops and exciting field trips.

Experience the beauty, excitement and colourful traditions of Greece through its theatre, dance, architecture and timeless sunsets. Explore the roots of western theatre and dance while attending seminars in the origin of gods, myths and theatre; Greek language and culture; mask making, mask work, and Greek dancing. Optional daily activities include yoga, hiking, and swimming. Study sites include Hydra, Poros, Athens, Delphi, Corinth and Epidaurus. Students attend performances in ancient theatres in Greece and perform their own production in Hydra and Poros. Meet and learn from some of Greece's most distinguished theatre and dance artists and scholars. Earn academic units and leave with knowledge to last a lifetime. 

Immerse yourself --- Live the Dream!

When in Greece do as the Greeks!!...During your stay you will be encouraged to experience and understand the Greek way of life of early mornings, long afternoon rests (siestas) and late nights welcoming the coolness. You will eat Greek food, learn basic Greek language and customs..meet Greek families...listen to Greek music..swim..dance. There will be ample time off but we will be following a structured daily schedule of seminars and workshops:

Activities and Master Classes:

* Myths and Legends

* Story-telling

* Architecture of Theatres

* History of Theatre

* Masks and Mask-making

* Chorus work and Text analysis * Greek dancing, culture and language lessons

* Movement and voice classes

Performances:

You will see theatre, music and dance performances. 

Athens

* the Acropolis and Museums 

* the Parthenon Temple of Athena (goddess of wisdom)

* the Theatre of Dionysus (god of wine and drama)

* the Roman and Greek agoras

* the flea market of Monastiraki

Delphi was considered the centre of the ancient world where heaven met earth and man was closest to the gods. 

You will visit:

* the Amphitheatre

* Museum

* Sanctuary 

* the Temple of Apollo (god of music)

* the Shrine of the Oracle

* the best preserved ancient Greek theatre built 2,400 years ago with perfect acoustics. 

* the costume museum and sanctuary where arts festivals were held to honor the god of medicine

* Forests of Episkopi

* Open air Cinema

* International Arts Festival

* Boat tours

ARRIVING IN ATHENS

Participants will be met by a programme representative on arrival at Athens airport and all participants will be given personal assistance and transport from the airport to the programme site.

While in Athens you will stay in an air-conditioned hotel in the Plaka, at the foot of the Acropolis and within easy strolling distance of such famous sites as the Acropolis and Museums, the Parthenon Temple of Athena, the Theatre of Dionysus, the Roman and Greek agoras and the busy flea market of Monastiraki. You will have a guided tour of all of these.

The majority of the course will take place on the beautiful island of Hydra which is just over an hour from Athens by sea. Hydra is unique in that no cars or bikes are allowed and the only transportation is by donkey, foot or boat. The strictly preserved style of the island's whitewashed stone houses, clear blue waters and spectacular views continue to be a rich source of inspiration for countless artists and writers.

The town has ample shops, banking, internet cafes, postal services, pharmacies and a good hospital. You will be supplied with toiletries, towels, first aid kits. A recommended packing list will be sent to you a month before your arrival in Greece.

You will be housed in sea-side villas in the fishing hamlet of Vlychos, which is a 30 minute walk or 10 minute boat ride from the lively main town of Hydra. The main villa houses a library, movement studio, lecture room and amphitheatre and is surrounded by beaches.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided, in a local taverna, and are included in the fee. Vegetarianism can easily be catered for. Food is fresh, varied and plentiful.