We’re delighted to announce the second book in our “Telling Tales in Nature” series: Telling Tales in Nature: Forest Tales. Take a journey through ancient forests with four beautiful trees from Greek mythology: walnut, elm, holm oak, and black poplar. In each chapter, the voice of a hamadryad nymph, whose life was said to be tied to an individual tree, tells her tale,…
Welcome
Welcome to the Iris Classics Centre’s blog! The Iris Classics Centre, hosted at Cheney School, is a vibrant community learning venue for people of all ages to attend events, workshops, lessons, and exhibitions. The Centre opened in October 2013, and a schedule of events is available on our website. The Centre is founded and run…
Dionysia 2023: The Coronation Edition
Every year our Year Eight Latin groups adapt and prepare four different Aristophanes comedies – Birds, Frogs, Peace and Clouds – as well as working on props, costumes, trailers and posters for their plays. Aristophanes was well-known in fifth century BC Athens for his lampooning of political leaders and contemporary situations, so every year they…
Iris Classics Cafe, in collaboration with the Myth and Voice Initiative
We are launching an exciting classics cafe, in collaboration with Dr Efi Spentzou, founder of the Myth and Voice initiative, where you can enjoy a drink, snack and take part in discussions, activities and crafts themed on a different myth each week! The cafe will be open from 3 until 4.30pm on Monday 12th, 16th…
“Fragments” and Shadow Puppetry workshop
We were delighted to welcome Dr Laura Swift and Russell Bender to the Classics Centre on Tuesday 9th May to introduce their exciting new play “Fragments” which is on at the Old Fire Station this Friday and Saturday. Laura and Russell started by explaining how the play is centred on three researchers who are exploring…
Dionysia 2023: Artemis Clouds
Dionysia 2023 presents Aristophanes’ Clouds! Steve Piades’s son is so obsessed with the monarchy that he’s driven his father deep into debt. Steve tries to make up for his debt by entering a baking contest judged by Mary Berry. With the assistance of the Meringues… Cast List Mary Berry – Nora Louth Meringues – Isla…
Dionysia 2023: Artemis Peace
Dionysia 2023 presents Aristophanes’ Peace! Cast List tbc You can watch the trailer here:
Dionysia 2023: Artemis Birds
Dionysia 2023 presents Aristophanes’ Birds! Intro on its way Cast List Pithetaerus – Gabriel Nimmy – Spy 1 and Herald Lillian – Spy 2 and Messenger Niamh – Iris, Cinesias and Prometheus Kaisha – Slave Poster
Dionysia 2023: Apollo Birds
Dionysia 2023 presents Aristophanes’ Birds! Harry and Megan are fed up. They want to leave and go to a new city or perhaps even found one… Join them on their journey to find happiness in the play The Birds. Cast List Megan – Fin Harry – Jamie Trochilus – Owen Epops – James Grim Reaper…
Dionysia 2023: Apollo Frogs
Dionysia 2023 presents Aristophanes’ Frogs! Who deserves the crown? Is it the old ways or the new? Watch a fierce contest unfold as King Charles goes on a journey to a modern Underworld to discover and win back his crown! Cast List King Charles – Seb Prince William – Jess London Cab Driver – Seb…
Dionysia 2023: Apollo Clouds
Dionysia 2023 presents Aristophanes’ Clouds! Monarchist or Anti-Monarchist? Which do you choose? Discover for yourself with our play! Cast list: Rishi Sunak ~ Kirsty McIntyre Harry ~ Martha Jackson Anti-Monarchist ~ Joshua Rosenow Monarchist ~ Theo Pearce Costumes ~ Martha Jackson Props ~ Martha Jackson and Kirsty McIntyre Trailer ~ Joshua Rosenow Poster ~ Kirsty…
Dionysia 2023: Artemis Frogs
Dionysia 2023 introduces Aristophanes’ Frogs! “An interpretation of The Frogs by Aristophanes where Dionysus and Xanthias take the longest route to the underworld and get annoyed by singing frogs” Cast: Dionysus – Jaanali Ansari Hercules, Corpse and Charon – Kieran Beard Xanthias and Chorus of Frogs – Simon Chauveau Depoil Props and Costumes: all of…