Program Overview
Study theatre, drama and performing culture on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, "birthplace of Aphrodite” and one of the most unique places of Ancient Greek and Roman heritage. With its historical roots, archeological sites, and cultural diversity, it offers an unequaled opportunity for an exciting, challenging and educational summer session abroad.
UD's Center for International Studies offers this 6-credit study abroad program in cooperation with the International Summer Institute for Ancient Greek Drama and Theatre in Cyprus. The program combines academic and practical theatre training for undergraduates and graduate students, giving them the opportunity to work in the authentic environment of the ancient city of Paphos in a classical amphitheatre, the Roman Odeon. We will stay nearby at one of the most beautiful traditional villages, Droushia, amidst the superb Akamas mountain scenery-- complete with forests, vineyards, olive and fig trees, fascinating coastlines, and unspoiled beaches all around.
The summer session combines the analysis of plays by Aeschylos, Sophocles, Euripides, and others with a workshop-production of Euripides' "Medea". Both will be taught by the faculty director. Cypriot artists and scholars will also lecture and/or lead discussions and excursions. Aside from the opportunity to see a variety of Cypriot theatre performances, from classical to experimental shows, the Cyprus Center of the International Theatre Institute will organize attendance at performances of the International Festival of Ancient Greek Drama, where theatre companies from all over the world present their interpretations. We will also participate with our workshop-production at the International Festival of Theatre Schools, which will enable participants to reach out to other theatre students from Europe, Asia and the Americas.
In addition to classes and performances, we will visit archaeological sites and museums in Paphos and all over the island (from Greek mosaics in Ancient monuments to Byzantine icons in monasteries of the Middle Ages). We will also take day trips to the capital Nicosia, famous for its complete Venetian Wall and its picturesque old town; to Limassol, where the Roman Kourion theatre and the 15th century Kolossi castle reflect Cyprus' rich past; and to the Troodos mountains (4,000 ft) to enjoy the splendor of places like Fontana Amorosa, a bubbling spring, the place where Aphrodite used to take her bath, according to the legend. Last but not least we will spend free time on the beautiful sandy beaches.
Students will live in pairs or groups of three to four per bedroom at the Droushia Heights Hotel with full-board. The program fee also includes all excursions and performances. Students are responsible for their own airfare to and from Cyprus.
UD students pay all program fee deposits by direct bank transfer via this website: http://www.udel.edu/studyabroadpayments. Non-UD students should send a check, payable to the University of Delaware, to CFIS, Elliott Hall, 26 East Main Street, Newark, DE 19716. Credit card payments are not accepted.
