Stafford's work focuses on Greek cultural history and she specialises in myth, allegory, personification, religion, and the reception of Greek culture. She has worked extensively on the myth and reception of Hercules, including numerous publications through research at the University of Leeds, much of which, like
Herculean Labours: enriching the public understanding of our classical mythological heritage (2005-2012) has a public engagement dimension. Building on previous work on Hercules, Stafford now leads the
AHRC funded
Hercules: a Hero for all Ages project, which aims to chart the significance of the reception of Hercules from the late antique period to modern times. As part of her work, Stafford has spoken widely on the subject including public lectures at
Leeds City Museum. The Hercules Project has extensive public outreach activities, including a new musical drama,
Herakles, composed by
Tim Benjamin which premiered in
Todmorden Town Hall in April 2017. Stafford also coordinated
The Labours of Herakles touring exhibition, displayed at
Leeds City Museum and the
Museum of Classical Archaeology, Cambridge, featuring the work of
Marian Maguire. == Publications ==