Lecture: Greek Heroes & Heroines on the Left Bank

Did you realize that the Parisian Left Bank is haunted? Not only by the memories of recent American writers like Hemingway and Fitzgerald, but also by the shades of ancient Greek heroes and heroines (Oedipus, Antigone, Electra, Medea, Orestes and others) who continue to haunt the Parisian stage.

In this lecture, Paul Archambault will examine three french plays in English translation wherein the spirit of some of those heroes and heroines has been reincarnated in 20th century French theatre: Jean Cocteau, Jean-Paul Sartre, Jean Anouilh. Discussion will focus on the plays as they reflect the period in which they were written: post-world war II in Europe, the German occupation, Vichy France, post-war existentialism.

The lecture will be in English.

Paul Archambault is Profesor of French Emeritus at Syracuse University/ He tasught at Amherst College from 1962 to 1968, at Syracuse University from 1968 to 2004, at Assumption College from 2004 to 2006 and at several french institutions, including the prestigious College de France.

Other details will follow soon.

Please contact the office to let us know if you wish to attend the lecture.