Lesser Dionysia

Jingyi Cao and Rachel Li, two very passionate humanities students at The Brooklyn Latin School, compiled a collection of drama with scenes from 4 different plays.

1: Medea by Euripides 

2: The Cyclops by Euripides

3:The frogs by Aristophanes

4: Oedipus Rex by Sophocles

Students split into different groups, read, rehearsed, and even slightly adapted these pieces. They did so in preparation for a performance they were to give in front of the entire audience during the Lesser Dionysia.  

This Lesser Dionysia brought the world of ancient Greek theater to life, from the tragedy of Medea’s vengeance and the comic misadventures of the cyclops to the hilarious mocking of the frogs and the haunting mystery of Oedipus Rex. The performances offered a glimpse into the traditions that captivated Athenian audiences for centuries. To conclude this showing, spectators voted for their favourite production, just as the ancient judges of the Great Dionysia had. Medea and the Cyclops tied for first place. 

At the end, the audience cast their votes for the best production, just as the ancient judges of the Great Dionysia had.