Art and Performance: Two decades of archaeology at the ancient theatre of Paphos, Cyprus
Join us at the Nicholson Museum for a free public lecture by Dr Craig Barker.
The University of Sydney’s Paphos Theatre Archaeological Project has been excavating, analysing and interpreting the remains of the World Heritage listed ancient theatre of Paphos since 1995. Working with the Department of Antiquities of Cyprus, over 500 Australian archaeologists, students and contributing volunteers to date have helped reveal a structure that was used as a venue for performance and spectacle for over 650 years from its construction around 300 BC through to its destruction by earthquake around 365 AD. Despite the subsequent stripping of stone from the building, clear archaeological and architectural evidence indicates that the theatre could hold up to 8500 spectators.
The project has also been investigating the surrounding theatrical precinct, including a Roman fountain house and a colonnaded street. These important excavations are slowly revealing clues about the urban layout of the capital city of ancient Cyprus. In this presentation, project director Dr Craig Barker will discuss what is known about the site, the project’s adoption of new technologies and work with visual contemporary artists. The creative spirit of the ancient actors lives on.
Dr Craig Barker is Manager of Education and Public Programs at Sydney University Museums. He has extensive experience in K-12 and adult museum education, and has published and presented on museum education in teacher and academic conferences and publications. Craig has a PhD in Classical Archaeology from the University of Sydney and has undertaken archaeological fieldwork in Australia, Greece, Turkey and Cyprus.
Tuesday 30 January, 6pm, Nicholson Museum
RSVP Please let us know if you can attend by registering online.
Image Credit: Aerial photograph of the Paphos Theatre site, 2017.