Theaters, Sanctuaries, Performance: Interaction and Sustainability

TheSPIS MSCA DN training research program proposal focuses on the ancient Greco-Roman theatres and sanctuaries under the prismof both material remains and performances/rituals. It revolves around the idea that this topic offers a unique opportunity to connect present and past Mediterranean societies through different types of academic and non-academic engagement such as reception, fruition, patrimonialisation, modern spectacles, and research. The DN aims to drive new steps in research on Theatre/theatres as elements of cultural religious and social discourse, underlining their close relationship to sanctuaries and ancient religion. This can be grasped through archaeological evidence, and the interaction of their architectural, textual, and iconographical components.Following an interdisciplinary, multi-disciplinary approach fostered by intersectoral collaborations, our goal will be achieved through TheSPIS’ network, aimed at high quality research training of 12 researchers. Holding different skills and coming from different backgrounds, they will work on interrelated projects so to propose an innovative research approach which outbreaks traditional methods by connecting several disciplines and adding intersectoral and technological contribution. Cooperation between international partners from central-north and south European countries will allow to share scientific approaches and sensibilities towards cultural heritage which spring from different local stories, locations, and research traditions. This will stimulate research environment and contribute to develop sustainable and knowledge-grounded models of preservation/enhancement of the ancient heritage, to be shared among scientists, policy makers, and the wider public. This exercise of interactive and interconnected research will provide a key steppingstone in the appropriation and preservation of theatrical heritage by current societies, driven by knowledge produced by young researchers in the ERA.