Electra and the empty urn
Subtitle: metatheater and role playing in Sophocles
By: Mark Ringer.
Publisher: University of North Carolina Press
Published: 1998
Place of publication: Chapel Hill
Language: eng
Number of pages: 253
Subjects: Sophocles -- Technique; Sophocles; Electra (Greek mythology) in literature; Mythology, Greek, in literature; Role playing in literature; Drama -- Technique; Tragedy
Description: Metatheater, or "theater within theater," is a critical approach often used in studies of Shakespearian or modern drama. Breaking new ground in the study of ancient Greek tragedy, Mark Ringer applies the concept of metatheatricality to the work of Sophocles. His innovative analysis sheds light on Sophocles' technical ingenuity and reveals previously unrecognized facets of fifth-century performative irony.

Ringer analyzes the layers of theatrical self-awareness in all seven Sophoclean tragedies, giving special attention to Electra, the playwright's most metatheatrical work.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 235-246) and index.