The "National Theater" (or "Royal Theater," as it was called in certain periods) has developed an intense and noteworthy activity throughout its operation regarding the performances of ancient Greek tragedy, which resulted in the creation of a distinctive directorial and acting "tradition," the most essential characteristics of which were connected to the grandiose delivery of language, the resonant and clear articulation (which sometimes approached the limits of bombastic recitation), as well as the exaggerated movements of the upper body, which bordered on standardization.

Additionally, the Chorus would repeat characteristic words or phrases and, in combination with their standardized movements, reinforced the impression of antiquity. Finally, the absolute respect for the text of the original, the archaic sets and costumes, crowd scenes, as well as the utilization of elements of Greek and Byzantine music intensified the impression of a specific "tradition" existing.

This work aims in its entirety to investigate the formation and evolution of the "tradition" of the National Theater as well as its key characteristics by systematically examining the performances themselves through textual sources and audiovisual material. The first volume focuses on the directorial approaches to ancient Greek tragedy by Thomas Oikonomou, Photo Politis, and Dimitris Rondiris. The second volume focuses on the directorial approaches to ancient Greek tragedy by Takis Mouzenidis, Alexis Minotis, and Alexis Solomos.