TEACHING
EXCELLENCE
DATABASE

The PROMETHEUS highlights the experience of the Institute of Classical, Byzantine, and Modern Greek Studies of Tbilisi State University in teaching Ancient Literature through performance. Led by Prof. Nana Tonia, the initiative was inspired by Robert Sturua’s play "Prometheus Bound" and involved BA, MA, and PhD students from various Humanities programs. Prof. Tonia developed the project framework, inviting students to explore Prometheus from diverse historical and literary perspectives. Each participant studied assigned works, contributing to a collaborative script enhanced with creative elements. Rehearsals culminated in a performance. The event took place in a specially decorated classroom, starting with Ancient Greek recitations from "Prometheus Bound." Students' interpretations prompted diverse audience reactions, ranging from defending Prometheus to accusing him of causing societal degradation through technological advancement. A hybrid voting process allowed both in-person and online participants to express their views. Students deepened their understanding of Ancient Greek literature, enhancing analytical and critical thinking, public speaking, translation, and performance skills. They engaged in interdisciplinary learning, connecting literature with social, political, and environmental themes while developing organizational and teamwork abilities. The PROMETHEUS resonated with several SDGs: SDG 4: Quality Education – Prometheus symbolizes knowledge and enlightenment, reflecting educational advancement. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – Fire, representing energy and progress, aligns with sustainable energy development. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Prometheus’s teachings on technology and medicine reflect innovation and development. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – His defiance of Zeus supports social justice and advocacy for the oppressed. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Themes of authority, justice, and resistance against tyranny promote equitable governance. The innovative aspects of PROMETHEUS include multidisciplinary collaboration, experiential learning, blending traditional and digital pedagogy, and fostering cultural heritage through modern interpretation. By linking classical literature to contemporary global issues, the project supported holistic, inclusive, and participatory education, promoting global citizenship and democratic engagement through reflective and critical discussions.

Methodology

The primary methodological principle of this project was to assign tasks to students based on their abilities and interests. It emphasized full immersion into the spirit of antiquity, specifically the ancient Greek tragedy. Additionally, the methodology aimed to foster participants’ creativity and develop their artistic and performance skills. Once the idea for the educational project took shape and participants were selected, a detailed action plan was developed. As a first step, all students were required to watch “Prometheus Bound” multiple times. Notably, the Rustaveli National Theatre, where the play was also performed, was informed about the project from its inception. With the theatre's support, participants were able to attend the play several times free of charge, enabling them to immerse themselves in Robert Sturua’s modern interpretation of the ancient tragedy. Prof. Nana Tonia, the project organizer, compiled a list of essential literary works. Reading materials were assigned to students in alignment with their interests and abilities. They were encouraged to explore and interpret the assigned texts, forming personal perspectives based on their studies. This approach helped actualize the concept of the "Prometheus Complex" and its relevance to contemporary issues. Initially, rehearsals focused on exchanging ideas and discussing the literary, philosophical, and moral themes of Aeschylus’ tragedy. Once the theoretical framework was established, attention shifted to the artistic aspects of the performance. During this phase, students honed their rhetorical and public speaking skills, learning to express complex ideas artistically and present them to a broader audience. Through a carefully designed methodological approach, participants in this educational project expanded their knowledge base through in-depth research of relevant literature while also enhancing their practical and creative skills. The project employed a multidisciplinary methodological approach centred on students' abilities, interests, and full immersion into ancient Greek tragedy. Key methods included guided literature review, collaborative discussions, and performance-based learning. Participants studied "Prometheus Bound" through multiple theatre viewings, supported by the Rustaveli National Theatre, fostering a deep understanding of its modern interpretation. Reading assignments, curated by Prof. Nana Tonia, encouraged analytical thinking and personal interpretation. Rehearsals evolved from theoretical discussions on literary, philosophical, and moral themes to practical workshops enhancing rhetorical, artistic, and public speaking skills, ensuring both intellectual and creative development.

Tools, equipment, technology used

One of the key objectives of the educational performance PROMETHEUS was to integrate digital tools alongside traditional equipment. This approach was driven by the event’s hybrid format, which included an online audience and required virtual participation. The entire performance was photographed and recorded from multiple camera angles, with one camera streaming the event live on Facebook. To facilitate voting for both online viewers and those opting for digital participation, the platform Mentimeter (https://www.mentimeter.com/)was used. This streamlined the voting process and simplified vote counting. Additionally, a projector was employed to display excerpts from ancient Greek texts in both the original language and Georgian, with translations provided by the project organizers. Before the final voting, the concluding trial question was presented on a smartboard. Leading up to the event, posters, flyers, and invitation letters were thoughtfully designed and printed to promote the project. A thematic visual style was created in collaboration with artists and graphic designers. On the day of the performance, the venue was adorned with symbolic props such as masks, chains, and lamps, enhancing the immersive experience.

Outcomes and outputs, main results

This educational performance PROMETHEUS proved beneficial for individuals of various ages and professions due to its cross-institutional nature, involving not only students but also theater performers, university lecturers, and part-time instructors. This diversity broadened the event’s impact, offering students a multifaceted approach to the subject. The learning process extended beyond traditional academic methods by integrating performance elements and reflecting the modern Georgian theater representation of the play. Participants expanded their knowledge by studying literature in both Georgian and foreign languages. This exposure to diverse interpretations of Aeschylus’ tragedy enhanced their critical thinking and reading skills, enabling them to analyze complex texts with contradictory ideas. They also gained an appreciation for the challenges of research, particularly when confronted with moral dilemmas involving conflicts between two equally valid perspectives. To express their conclusions, students wrote speeches summarizing the information they had gathered, incorporating their personal interpretations. This significantly improved their writing skills. The interdisciplinary nature of the project, blending artistic performance with scholarly research, encouraged creativity. Students were required to express themselves not only through speech but also through appearance and body language. Additionally, the collaborative environment fostered a spirit of teamwork, enhancing students’ communication skills. They continuously exchanged ideas with each other and the organizing team, enriching the creative process through dialogue and shared perspectives. The project also engaged a diverse audience, including guests from various fields and institutions. It provided a platform for meaningful discussions about the Promethean complex, its relevance to today’s fast-paced, technologically driven world, and the moral challenges that modern society faces. The project yielded several notable outputs, including a well-researched and creatively staged performance based on Aeschylus’ tragedy “Prometheus Bound.” Participants produced analytical essays and presentations reflecting their interpretations of the play’s literary, philosophical, and moral themes. The collaboration with the Rustaveli National Theatre facilitated multiple viewings of the play, enabling a deeper engagement with its modern staging. Additionally, curated reading materials guided by Prof. Nana Tonia supported comprehensive research, resulting in enriched understanding and thoughtful artistic expression. Rehearsals and discussions led to a final public performance, showcasing the students’ creative and rhetorical abilities. The project’s outcomes extended beyond its immediate artistic and educational goals. Participants gained valuable experience in literary analysis, philosophical inquiry, and collaborative research. Their public speaking, performance, and interpretative skills improved through rehearsals and stage practice. Furthermore, the project encouraged critical thinking, cultural appreciation, and personal development. By connecting ancient themes with contemporary issues, students developed a nuanced understanding of timeless human struggles, fostering both academic growth and artistic innovation.

Lessons learnt

Since the goal of the educational performance is to engage the audience in meaningful discussion, the chosen topic must be both controversial and relevant. The project should be structured to present both sides of the argument equally, encouraging the audience to reflect deeply and develop their own perspectives on a familiar subject. Such initiatives promote an objective exchange of ideas, challenging traditional interpretations and teaching methods. For future adaptations of this educational performance, several technical improvements could be considered. Given the complexity of the text, providing audience members with printed handouts summarizing key points could enhance comprehension, allowing them to follow the discussion more easily and distinguish between different authors’ perspectives. Additionally, since the performance involved active audience engagement and frequently “broke the fourth wall,” selecting a more spacious venue would improve the overall experience by facilitating interaction and creating a more immersive atmosphere. It would be beneficial to perform an educational play in English alongside the local language. First, it enhances the participants' language skills, particularly in terms of vocabulary, pronunciation, and public speaking. Performing complex literary works like “Prometheus Bound” helps students master sophisticated language structures, boosting their academic and professional prospects in an increasingly globalized world. Additionally, it fosters cultural exchange by making the performance accessible to international audiences, encouraging dialogue and collaboration across cultural boundaries. Secondly, performing in English broadens the project's educational impact. It enables participation in international student festivals, academic conferences, and cultural events, raising the project’s visibility beyond the local context. This global reach can attract diverse perspectives, enriching the interpretive process. Moreover, students gain confidence by performing in a foreign language, developing cross-cultural communication skills essential for future careers in academia, the arts, and international relations.

Adaptability and sustainability of the best practice (for other institutions)

As organizers of this educational performance, we recognize that sustainable development depends not only on theoretical knowledge and practical skills but also on addressing the philosophical and ethical challenges present in society. Achieving sustainability requires engaging with morally complex questions that have shaped human thought for centuries. The Promethean myth explores foundational issues such as the origin and survival of humanity, the nature of tyranny, and the ethical implications of technological progress. Particular emphasis was placed on contemporary societal threats, including environmental degradation caused by industrialization and the development of advanced weaponry, which raises the specter of nuclear conflict. The performance prompted deep reflection on these existential issues, highlighting the responsibilities of individuals and governments in acknowledging and mitigating such dangers. Since ancient times, the myth of Prometheus has underscored the responsibilities that come with citizenship. It played a critical role in shaping the first democratic societies and influenced the Western concept of individual contributions to the state and civic life. This timeless narrative continues to provoke meaningful discussions about the balance between progress and moral responsibility in modern society. The educational performance helped the participants to understand the importance of researching a mythological concept from a diachronic perspective and appreciate the rich heritage of scholarly tradition. The performance brought the topic closer to a broader audience by adding artistic elements to an academic project. Hence, a basis was created for further research in various fields of humanities, the results of which will be beneficial for the actualisation of various topics in literature, mythology, philosophy and anthropology. The didactical approach employed in our project is highly versatile and adaptable, making it applicable to any course aimed at teaching literature. Our method – developing an educational performance based on a well-known and enduring literary figure, along with its reception across centuries – can be effectively integrated into any World Literature curriculum. This approach not only deepens students' understanding of the text but also fosters creative engagement, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary learning.

Promotion of best practice

To promote our educational performance, we employed a variety of digital and paper-based advertising techniques. Digital promotion included sending invitation letters via email and utilizing social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and the official websites of Tbilisi State University and the Institute of Classical, Byzantine, and Modern Greek Studies. In collaboration with a digital designer, we created promotional posters and flyers, which were displayed at various universities, the Rustaveli National Theatre, and key locations throughout central Tbilisi. Specially printed invitation letters were sent to distinguished guests from the academic community and the cast of Robert Sturua’s play “Prometheus Bound”. To maximize the performance's reach and audience engagement, the event was streamed live on Facebook, Georgia’s most popular social network. A recording of the performance was later made available on the Institute’s YouTube channel. Links : Live-stream on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/ndE2PkbFf7dudscp/ Visual Material Uploaded on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/aZGrYLn1Ps7K7GC2/ Promotional Material: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/19qGGwcgpkXUsKnIMiL6rx8Mzf-Fb1o_9?usp=drive_link YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zbq4dqn428A

Scope and impact

• Course/department level
• Faculty level
• Institutional level
• National level

The didactical approach employed in the PROMETHEUS is highly versatile and adaptable, making it applicable to any course aimed at teaching literature. Our method – developing an educational performance based on a well-known and enduring literary figure, along with its reception across centuries – can be effectively integrated into any World Literature curriculum on Faculty/Institutional and National Level (this approach can be used by any Department, Faculty, University which deals with Teaching of World Literature). This approach not only deepens students' understanding of the text but also fosters creative engagement, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary learning, while addressing the SDG and the needs of diverse student population, using digital technologies and adding global dimension to the curriculum.

6.1 Digitalization

• Outstanding, innovative, excellent practices of online / blended / hybrid learning
• Digital scientific sources used in T&L

Reasoning: The PROMETHEUS was held in a hybrid format, as it was broadcasted live on Facebook and later was uploaded to the YouTube channel. The online audience was given not only the opportunity of attendance, but also the possibility of voting, as voting was available both on paper and online (using mentimeter.com). The organizing team of the Performance used the AI for introductory research in the particular themes and for rapid access of information.

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6.2 Internationalization

• Developing students' multicultural awareness

Reasoning: The PROMETHEUS supported internationalisation of the curriculum by fostering cross-cultural learning. By interpreting an ancient Greek tragedy with timeless themes of defiance, justice, and human resilience, the project connected students to a cultural heritage shared by many societies. The project deepened students' global awareness, enhancing the curriculum’s international dimension while preparing students for culturally diverse academic and professional environments.

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6.3 Inclusion and diversity, universal design

• Innovative teaching methodology for inclusion and meet diverse student needs

Reasoning: The PROMETHEUS supported inclusion of the curriculum by embracing diverse learning styles, talents, and interests among participants. The project combined literary analysis, artistic performance, and creative expression, providing multiple entry points for students with varied abilities. This multifaceted approach ensured that every participant could engage meaningfully according to their strengths.

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6.4 Sustainability

• Sustainability goals are addressed in the course(s)
• Extra-curricular student activities for sustainability

Reasoning: The PROMETHEUS enhanced the sustainability dimension of the curriculum by preserving and reinterpreting a timeless literary work, ensuring its relevance for contemporary audiences. By connecting ancient themes of resistance, justice, and human resilience, abuse of political power and the responsibility of the individual to current global challenges, including the environmental issues, the performance encouraged discussions on sustainability-related issues.

3.3 Public contact datas

Name	Email address	Website
Nana Tonia	greekstudies@tsu.ge