Beschreibung:
<jats:p>Over 200 so-called « phlyax- vases » are now known. These are ceramics produced in the Greek cities of south-Italy in the period 400-330 BC, and decorated with scenes drawing on comic drama. The orthodox view is that they reflect a local dramatic tradition, the phlyakes, and that, while this was influenced by the comedies produced at Athens, there was little or no direct interaction. </jats:p>
<jats:p>I believe that I can show that the phlyakes were written later, in the period of Theocritus. More importantly, a significant number of the vases can be shown to have direct connections with Athenian comedy of the period of Aristophanes. If true, this opens up an important new source of evidence for the subject-matter, visual presentation, generic tone and popular perception of mainstream Greek comedy. </jats:p>
<jats:p>The lecture will consider, in conclusion, the significance of this thesis for the cultural range and sophistication of the cities of Magna Graecia, and the implications of the 'international' reception of Comedy for the way that it was perceived in Athens herself.</jats:p>