The Centre de musique baroque de Versailles is hosting a new session of the research seminar of the CESR’s ‘The European Stage – Performing Arts, Art of Performance’ research group, devoted to the representation of Antiquity on the theatrical stage from the 15^th to the 17^th century.

From medieval theatre to the earliest forms of public opera, through humanist and classical dramaturgy, Greco-Roman Antiquity constituted a major reference point, whose figures and narratives were constantly mobilised to question contemporary realities. This session will explore the many forms of this “staging” of Antiquity between the 15^th and 17^th centuries, examining both the processes of transmission of sources, dramaturgical practices, stage arrangements and the aesthetic, political and cultural issues surrounding their reinterpretation.

Bringing together specialists from the ancient, medieval, Renaissance and classical periods, this event aims to place into perspective the dynamics of continuity, transformation and reinterpretation of ancient legacies in the performing arts. It will also highlight the decisive role of performance in the transmission and reinvention of myths.