We have been honorary students of Durham University via a virtual workshop, “Meet the Greeks”. Michael led the workshop, first of all showing us the symbols of some of the Greek Polis (cities), including the Athenian owl, the lotus flower of Rhodes and Pegasus (winged horse) of Coram.
Next, we learned a way of remembering the names and styles of the different Greek architecture that is still used today: Doric, Ionic and Corinthian columns.
Our main task was to become archaeologists, thinking about the photos of artefacts that had been sent to us. We had some clues from the size and material of the object to help us identify the object, what it might be used for and where it might be found.
Finally, we went to the theatre! Some children were chosen to play parts in Medea – a famous Greek Tragedy. Normally, men would play all of the parts including the women and children. Today, the boys played the girls and the girls played the boys. Our audience took part as the chorus, reacting to each actor as they entered the stage. We had a lot of fun, despite the terrifying story that was told!