Sophron's Mimes

Sophron of Syracuse, who lived in Sicily in the late fifth/early fourth century BC, represents our only surviving example of classical Greek mime. The mimes (short playlets) are also an important example of the classical literary tradition outside Athens. The Greek text is based on the standard modern edition, but with significant additions, and a translation is provided. There is a detailed commentary that deals with linguistic questions, as well as discussing Sophron's relationship with earlier traditions (for example, iambus) and later literature (such as his influence on the work of the important Hellenistic poet Theocritus). A substantial introduction discusses important issues such as performance and audience.