We have successfully completed our 2017 field season. Read a summary of our work this year here.

Team members Diana Wood Conroy and Craig Barker authored a a paper in The Conversation recently exploring the history of the Paphos Theatre Archaeological Project's work with visual artists. 

'Old sites, new vision: art and archaeology collide in Cyprus' can be read here.

In 2017 the Paphos Theatre Archaeological Project is proud to announce its 3D virtual reality model of the Antonine (2nd century AD) phase of the theatre of Paphos made by our good friends at LithodomosVR.

The model allows the viewer to explore a hypothetic reconstruction of the ancient theatre from three different view points.  The immersive experience is a wonderful means to allow people to experience what the theatre would have been like during its period of greatest expansion, and a great example of our commitment of public engagement with the archaeological process.

The artist-in-residence program of the Paphos Theatre Archaeological Project excavations has always invited visual artists to be inspired by the archaeology of the ancient theatre site.

This theme of using visual arts to present a new perspective on archaeological processes and the concept of excavation and study of materials is at the basis of the exhibition Travellers from Australia: artists in the ancient Pafos theatre which is part of the Pafos2017 European Capital of Culture festival program.

Curated by Emeritus Professor Diana Wood Conroy and Dr Craig Barker, the exhibition features work  Angela Brennan, Brogan Bunt, Rowan Conroy, Amanda Dusting, Hannah Gee, Penny Harris, Guy Hazell, Stephen Ingham, Derek Kreckler, Bob Miller, Jacky Redgate, Geoff Stennett, Lawrence Wallen, Diana Wood Conroy and LithodomosVR, all inspired by the excavation of the ancient theatre at Paphos. 

The exhibition runs at the Palia Ilektriki in Ktima Pafos between 2-15 October 2017. 
Free entry.

The Archaeology of Cyprus, a guided tour with Helen Nicholson
24 September - 9 October 2017

This sixteen day tour explores the rich cultural heritage of Cyprus that spaces from Neolithic settlements to UNESCO World Heritage listed churches in the Troodos Mountains, and from ancient Phoenician, Greek and Roman sites to more recent medieval and Ottoman monuments and museums.

Late summer is a good time to visit Cyprus and the tour has been designed to introduce and explore this fascinating past as well as providing opportunities to discover the vibrant contemporary society that awaits travellers to the island today.

Please contact Alumni Travel on 1300 799 887 or (02) 9290 3856 to book a place on this tour.
Download the detailed itinerary and booking details here.

 Have you ever wanted to work on an archaeological excavation?  Join us for our 2017 season!

The Paphos Theatre Archaeological Project will conduct its eighteenth season of excavations at the site of the theatre on behalf of the Department of Antiquities of Cyprus between 8 October and 5 November 2017.  A limited number of student and volunteer positions are available for the four week seasons.  This season will see significant work conducted in the area of the Roman road behind the theatre and of a medieval structure.

Learn more about being a student team member or a contributing volunteer team member and formally apply to join the team by following the links.  The experience will give you life-long friendships and experiences with archaeological excavation, finds processing and recording techniques as well as the chance to explore the rich heritage of the island nation of Cyprus.  Applications are open until 31 May 2017.

Project Director Dr Craig Barker recently spoke about ancient theatre and the team's work at Paphos with Michael Lueger for the Theatre History Podcast.  They talked about the changing nature of performance in the Hellenistic and Roman world and why the theatre at Paphos is such significant building.

Theatre History Podcast # 28: Digging up Nea Paphos with Dr. Craig Barker can be downloaded now or listened to online here:
http://howlround.com/theatre-history-podcast-28-digging-up-nea-paphos-with-dr-craig-barker