One main difference between modern adaptations of ancient greek plays and the traditional ancient greek plays is the language. Ancient plays have to be translated to english before they can be performed, and while this may seem like a simple solution. Most of these plays do not survive from this time period. The only instances of classic theatre that still survive are typically Roman copies of ancient Greek works.
While masks were worn in traditional Greek theatre, the masks in this movie were very ornate and did not cover the mouth so the face was painted to match the mask. Modern theatre does not utilize masks often, but masks are still used to portray specific types of characters.
The costumes in this production were very elaborate which is not typical to classic Greek theatre. However modern plays, movies, and musicals are often performed in genre specific costumes. Actors in modern productions wear costumes that emphasize traits specific to their character's stereotype. Now-a-days the possibilities are practically endless to create any costume you can imagine with the combination of modern day technology and special effects. Traditional costumes were relevant to the people of ancient Greece, similarly to how modern costumes relate to our world today.
In ancient Greece large robes were worn and gesturing was important to convey emotion. This body language had to be emphasized because the theatre was so large and unlike modern day movies the audience did not have the benefit of cameras to zoom in. Drama has evolved to include facial expressions as well as body language and tone of voice. These three things are manipulated by the actor or actress to portray emotions that are characteristic to the individual they are playing.
These large robes made it possible for men to represent women, because in ancient Greece only men performed in these plays. Times have changed and women are just as much a part of modern theatre as men. In the movie Eleanor Stuart portrays Oedipus' mother Jocasta which is not traditional, but in this modern adaptation it is considered to be socially acceptable and normal.
This portrayal of Oedipus Rex uses more than three main characters, however in ancient Greece this would not have been the case. Only three actors would perform and change costumes to act as many different characters during tragic plays. The chorus who made up the group of towns people in this production acted almost like a dithyramb.
In classic theatre the dithyramb would sing choral odes, which are song dedicated to their gods and goddesses. These choral odes would be sung in between the main characters interacting with dialogue and changing costumes. The chorus in this production would recite these hymns in unison instead of singing. While this I'm sure does not create the same affect as the young boys and girls singing it was still an important part of this play. Singing has become such an important part of theatre now-a-days that it has branched off into its own categories which include; Opera, Broadway, and musical theatre.
This production took place on a set but it was performed on a stage. It replicated the style of the skene with large grey columns and steps, but lacked the beautiful natural light of an amphitheatre.
While ancient Greek tragedies may be translated and remade, there will never be a way to truly experience the tradition of Theatre that the citizens of Greece experienced centuries ago. But it is not an dead art form, characteristics and components of classic theatre are embedded within the Theatre culture forever.
Kipis, Leonio (Producer), & Guthrie, Tyrone (Director). (1957). Sophocles' Oedipus Rex
[Motion Picture]. United States: Corinth Films.
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