Greek drama scenes to be performed

A staged reading by professional actors is planned during a series of events to 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 program, Wednesday, April 18, from 6:30-8 p.m., at Grand Rapids Main Public Library, 111 Library NE, is free and open to the public.

The staged reading will include a repertoire of selections from Homer’s Odyssey; Aeschylus’ Agamemnon; Sophocles’ Ajax; and Euripides’ Herakles. The event will last approximately 90 minutes and will include an introduction, performed readings, and a post-show discussion led by Grand Valley Classics Professor Diane Rayor.

The performance is suitable for all ages except very young children. The program theme, Stranger in a Strange Land: Encountering the Other, applies Greek drama to contemporary issues such as immigration, leadership, returning veterans, and culture clash.

For more information, call the library at (616) 988-5400, or visit www.ancientgreeksmodernlives.org.