21 Apr 09

Théâtre du Soleil’s Les Atrides, one of the many productions documented by the APGRD, performed by one of the major international theatre companies with whom the APGRD works

A leading Classics research project that has been running for 13 years is now guaranteed a long-term future, thanks to an award from the Mellon Foundation.

The Archive of Performances of Greek and Roman Drama (APGRD) was established at Oxford University in 1996. Its aim was to be a repository of physical materials and to compile an electronic comprehensive production history of ancient drama in modern performance - and to publish interpretative research based on these findings.

The funding will finance the creation of the new post of director of the Archive combined with a University Lectureship in the Reception of Greek and Latin Literature. This will be supported by the appointment of a full-time archivist/administrator. The grant will provide just over £400,000, spread over 5 years, which amounts to almost half of the costs of the new development. The other half will be paid for by funds raised by the University.

This will allow some positive changes to take place at the APGRD. During this period the Archive and its new director will aim to initiate a new Masters programme and to recruit post-doctoral researchers as well as continuing and developing its present range of activities. There are also hopes of raising long-term endowment for this pioneering institution, which remains at the cutting edge of the study of the relations between classical culture and the global present. It is anticipated that the new director will start on 1 January 2010.

Professor Oliver Taplin said: “As I have recently retired as director of this project, I am particularly delighted at this award. This grant will set the Archive’s activities on a newly secure and even more active course.” 

Since its foundation in 1996 by Oliver Taplin and Edith Hall the APGRD has established its stature as a leader in the study of performance reception. The Archive has developed and sustained an outstandingly high level of activity in research and publication, organising lectures and conferences, catalysing international cooperation, and enabling interaction between academics and creative artists.

It has also encouraged extensive interaction with creative artists and theatre practitioners; lectures and workshops have been given by internationally renowned directors, translators, designers, composers and choreographers, while members of the Archive team have been involved in broadcasts, platform sessions, translating and producing.