Dr Angeliki Varakis-Martin

I completed my undergraduate studies in Drama and Theatre at the University of Patras, Greece which is where I come from.  I moved to England in 1998 where I studied for an MA and PhD in Drama and Theatre at Royal Holloway, University of London.

I joined the Kent drama department in 2007 as a lecturer in Drama and I am currently responsible for coordinating the international exchange programme of our department.

I have an ongoing research interest in the work of Greek theatre director Karolos Koun and his contribution towards the creation of a modern Greek tradition in the staging of Greek theatre, particularly Aristophanic comedy. His work has been influential in the shaping of Modern Greek theatre but the impact of his productions beyond Greece has yet to be sufficiently explored.

I am also exploring the applicability of various acting techniques to Greek theatre with a special interest in masked acting. The performer’s perspective is a key aspect of my current research on ‘acting Greek theatre’.

My ongoing interest in the reception of classical culture in modern times and how modern theatre practice can shape our understanding of past theatrical traditions is reflected in the modules I teach which cover Modern Theatre and Ancient Greek Theatre.

My current research interest in the modern staging of ancient Greek theatre informs my teaching at all times forming the basis of many seminar discussions in my Greek theatre module. Students are encouraged to engage with primary archaeological evidence in order to appreciate Greek theatre as a product of its own time but also to study modern productions of Greek theatre in order to consider the value and vast staging possibilities that exist when performing Greek theatre today.

My classes are primarily theory-based but guest lecturers are often invited to deliver practical workshops to complement the students? learning experience.

I welcome applicants who are particularly interested in Greek theatre from a historical or practice-based perspective.