From The Ancient Hellenic Dress to 21st Century Theatrical Application

Abstract

The paper addresses an applied research and case study that investigates the possibility of incorporating the strengths, the plasticity and the aesthetic qualities of classical Hellenic clothing in modern theatrical performances, a special and specific field, where fabrics, textures and plasticity play a major role. It is an exchange of ideas, information, experiences on design education and an alternative approach to applied stage design and costume design. The case study involved Hungarian and Greek textile design professors and textile design students, who participated with their design works. The research team faced the project in the applied research direction.

Introduction

Motivation for the research work was the cultural exchange and collaboration between the Textile Design Studio of TEI of Athens, Interior Design Department, and the Textile Design Department of Budapest University of Art and Design. Both parties benefited from learning about their mutual design approaches and experimentations.

The case study is a new approach to the diachronic power of the ancient Hellenic clothing and a proposal that offers new perspectives to Hellenic theatrical performances, which are highly valued as one of the greatest cultural traditions in Greece. The project was not only a real challenge for the research team but also a way to exchange insights, research tools and methods that support research with other European Universities.