Aeschylus and the Beginning of Tragic Reperformances

Abstract

Abstract:This chapter surveys the evidence for the reperformances of the works of Aeschylus from as early as the fifth century. Through a discussion of testimonies from the ancient biographers, ancient scholiasts, Herodotus, Philostratus, but also the fifth-century comedians, I attempt to highlight the (re)performative importance of Aeschylean tragedy in theatrical history and to show that restagings of drama started occurring during Aeschylus’ lifetime and were systematically developed after his death in 456.