Ancient Greeks/Modern Lives Reading Group
When
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Where
Grand Rapids Main Public Library, VanderVeen Center for the Book, Level 4, 111 Library NE
Category
Humanities
Description
Grand Valley State University Classics Professor Diane Rayor will lead a reading group to explore the theme " Strangers in a Strange Land," on four consecutive Wednesdays, beginning March 7. The free program includes the four books and snacks during the discussions.
Veterans and their families, immigrants and people new to Greek drama are especially encouraged to sign-up. Space is limited; register online at www.grpl.org/register. Readings will be provided at the first meeting.
March 7, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sophocles' Antigone, newly translated by Diane Rayor (2011)
Antigone poses a conflict between passionate characters whose extreme stances leave no room for compromise. The play centers on Antigone's refusal to obey the king's edict, which forbids the burial of her brother, a war traitor. In this first session, volunteers will read Antigone aloud, with discussion throughout. Dr. Rayor will provide the tools to understanding and enjoying Greek drama.
March 14, 7-8 pm Herakles Gone Mad, based on Euripides' Herakles
A decorated hero, Herakles (Hercules), returns home after multiple tours of duty only to find the lives of his loved ones threatened. To make his home safe, he does battle one last time--one time too many. He slays his enemies but then murders his wife and children as well. He blacks out, and, when his wits return, his only thoughts are of death. Then a friend whose life he once saved in battle arrives, offering his hand and his heart.
March 21, 7-8 pm Sophocles' Ajax
After Achilles has been killed in the Trojan War, his fabulous armor is to go to the finest surviving fighter of the Greeks. To whom shall it go - to the brains of the army, Odysseus, or to its brawn, Ajax? How does the community judge and what are the consequences of dishonoring Ajax, the army's most reliable warrior?
March 28, 7-8 pm Aeschylus' Agamemnon
What is the difference between justice and revenge? King Agamemnon returns home from Troy after ten years of war, with his captive concubine, the prophetess Cassandra. His wife Clytemnestra, with her lover, kills him to avenge the death of her daughter. Her father had sacrificed her so that the Greeks could sail to Troy.
This reading group is part of a series of events that illustrate how Ancient Greek drama themes still resonate today. Ancient Greeks/Modern Lives is a major national program funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities that aims to create an in-depth cultural programming partnership between communities, libraries, and theatres. The programs are free and open to the public. Rayor will also lead a discussion following a staged reading of scenes from Greek drama by Aquila Theatre actors, at the library on April 18.
For more information, visit www.ancientgreeksmodernlives.org or call the library at (616) 988-5400.