The course analyses the concept of ritual from the perspectives of Folklore Studies, Theatre Studies, and especially Social Anthropology, alongside the presentation of major theoretical approaches. Particular emphasis is placed on the relationship between ritual and theatre. Throughout the course, categories of rituals (magico-religious/ecclesiastical, secular/political) and their forms (sacrifices, rites of passage, ecstatic rituals, liturgical performances, athletic and dynastic ceremonies, etc.) are examined in both ancient and contemporary contexts. This is achieved through the presentation and analysis of relevant examples from “Western” and “non-Western” societies within their socio-cultural frameworks, with a strong focus on performativity.

After the successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• define the concepts of ritual and performance; 
• analyze their basic components; 
• distinguish between their differences and similarities between the two concepts; 

situate these concepts within the field of theatre.