CALL. 18.04.2016: Remaking ancient Greek and Roman myths in the twenty-first century - London (Engla

FECHA LÍMITE/DEADLINE/SCADENZA: 18/04/2016

FECHA CONGRESO/CONGRESS DATE/DATA CONGRESSO: 07/07/2016

LUGAR/LOCATION/LUOGO: Open University in London (London, England)

ORGANIZADOR/ORGANIZER/ORGANIZZATORE: Dr Emma Bridges

INFO: web - e.e.bridges@open.ac.uk

CALL:

Abstract submissions are invited for a one-day colloquium to be held at The Open University in London (1-11 Hawley Crescent, Camden, London NW1 8NP) on 7th July 2016. The recent upsurge in revivals of classical myth on the stage - with UK theatres currently programming adaptations of both Greek tragedy and the Homeric epics on an unprecedented scale - is mirrored in other artistic media ranging from the visual arts to contemporary poetry and fiction as well as television and film. This one-day colloquium aims to foster conversations between academics and practitioners working on contemporary versions of the ancient myths in order to examine some of the issues encountered by both scholars of classical reception and those whose creative works they study. How might we account for the ongoing appeal of ancient myths for artists/writers and their audiences? In what ways are retellings of these stories shaped by the new contexts or media within which they are produced? Whilst myth is by its nature pliable, are there any limits to the flexibility which creative practitioners have in adapting the ancient tales for twenty-first century audiences? We also hope to consider the ways in which audience engagement with retellings of mythical narratives can foster wider interest in the classical world. Proposals for twenty-minute papers are invited; we would also welcome proposals for presentations in formats other than lecture-style delivery (e.g. performance pieces or 'in conversation' sessions). Confirmed speakers: Emma Cole (Bristol); Justine McConnell (Oxford); Lorna Hardwick (Open University); Laura Martin-Simpson (Blazon Theatre); Henry Stead (Open University). Abstracts of no more than 250 words should be sent to Emma Bridges at The Open University (e.e.bridges@open.ac.uk) by Monday 18th April 2016.