Ancient Greece: The Greatest Show on Earth

Ancient Greece: The Greatest Show on Earth is an enlightening three-part documentary from 2013, directed by Andrew Higgie and Leo Burley. This comprehensive program, hosted by the insightful Dr. Michael Scott, takes its audience through an engaging journey into the heart of ancient Greece, unpacking the rich fabric of Greek drama and its implications on the Greek society of the time. While primarily focusing on the significant cultural influence that ancient Greek theatre had on the Western world, the series also delves into broader aspects of ancient Greek history, politics, culture, and philosophy.

Each hour-long episode illuminates different aspects of Greek theatre, starting from its origins in the 5th century BC to the transformation and influence in contemporary society. Starting with Athens, the cradle of this form of art, the series expands to other influential city-states of that period, finally culminating in Rome, where Greek theatre found a new audience.

The first episode, "Democrats", is set against the backdrop of the Golden Age of Athens, the era of democracy, Socrates, and extraordinary intellectual evolution. This episode portrays the birth of this unique form of public drama and explains how the pioneering works of tragic playwrights like Sophocles, Euripides, and Aeschylus served as powerful tools of social commentary, shaping public opinion, fostering debate, reflecting the city's heart, and embodying the spirit of Athenian democracy.

The second episode, "Kings", is vivid narrative of how the center of gravity of Greek drama shifted from democratic Athens to the autocratic city-states of Macedonia after the death of Alexander the Great. Here, Dr. Scott demonstrates that Greek drama aimed to resonate not just in the free spaces of Athens, but the courts of Hellenistic kings. The evolving context saw an emergence of New Comedy, with the prime focus shifting from tragic conflicts to ordinary people and their everyday problems, signifying the adaptation of theatre to suit its environment.

In the final episode, "Romans", the story progresses further into the Roman era, illustrating how the Romans embraced and adapted Greek drama to their own culture, society, and political systems. The Romans, mostly known for their pragmatic empire-building, surprisingly incorporated Greek theatre into their understanding of statecraft, using it as an effective tool to manage, entertain and educate the masses.

Dr. Michael Scott's convincing narration combined with in-depth research, vivid re-enactments, dramatic readings, and sprawling on-location shots, contribute to creating a riveting watch for any history enthusiast. The series integrates elements of education and entertainment, making the history of ancient Greek theatre come alive for viewers.

Furthermore, Ancient Greece: The Greatest Show on Earth notably shows that Greek Drama was not only a form of entertainment but also a powerful medium that gave the common people a voice. The series emphasizes the remarkable fact that despite radical societal and political changes throughout history, Greek theater's essence remains a relevant part of the cultural lexicon.

As a whole, the series is an excellent exploration of culture and thought during a defining period of Western civilization. It illustrates the powerful role theatre has played in shaping the narrative of human social history, acting as both mirror and moulder to the societies they were born in. Ancient Greece: The Greatest Show on Earth stands as an enlightening watch, a celebration of theatre's birth, and an insightful journey into the heart of a society that marvellously encapsulated the complexities of human existence on stage.

From the historical enthusiast to the casual viewer, this series is designed to engage a wide audience. It provides a meaningful and comprehensive understanding of the birth, evolution, and legacy of Greek drama, ultimately highlighting its role as one of the foundational pillars of Western arts and culture. Ancient Greece: The Greatest Show on Earth is truly an invitation to step back in time and explore a significant era in recorded history with its unique blend of drama, history, and cultural insight.