The Greek Plays: J. Paul Getty Museum

I was commissioned to write a series of re-tellings of Ancient Greek plays for the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles (2001-2006). The books, illustrated by noted contemporary artist Indrapramit Roy, and hand-made in India using the silk-screen technique of printing, were art objects. The colour scheme and haptic nature of the books echoed the colour and texture of the Greek pottery in the Getty’s collection. I worked in collaboration with fellow writer and comparative literature expert Gita Wolf to write a text that spoke to contemporary audiences, yet remained true to the Greek world view. The rigorous process included inputs from the Getty’s editorial board, research trips, and complex project management to create the final handmade editions. Created over a period of five years, the series met critical and commercial success, winning ‘Outstanding Book of the Year’ at the IPPY Awards and winning a First Prize at the American Alliance of Museums Design Competition.