The Apology Project comes to ASU

The writings and philosophies of Socrates are just as relevant in today’s world as they were nearly 2,500 years ago, including his defense in the Athenian court and his rebuttals to a guilty verdict and death sentence. A performance of Plato’s The Apology of Socrates—a reenactment of the trial—will transport viewers in the Maxwell Theatre to ancient Greece on Friday, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m. to experience the trial first-hand.

Yannis Simonides, a Yale Drama School trained actor/writer and Emmy-winning documentary producer, has performed the one-man show around the globe as part of the Elliniko Theatro—the New York-based Greek Theater Foundation. Born in Constantinople and raised in Athens, Prof. Simonides served as chair of the drama department at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, as executive producer of Greek Orthodox Telecommunications, and as the executive director of Hellenic Public Radio—COSMOS FM in New York.

“The Apology Project offers an exciting opportunity to hear a renowned Greek scholar and actor perform Plato's Apology,” says Christos Bourdouvalis, professor of political science and Greece native. “The eloquent, sometimes humorous, and always profound speech is Plato’s version of Socrates’ defense against charges of being a man ‘who corrupted the young, did not believe in the gods, and created new deities.’ It touches on theatre, politics, ethics, philosophy, humanities, history, religion, law, and more. I am confident that those who attend will not be disappointed.”

The 80-minute performance is only a part of The Apology Project. Prof. Simonides will meet with faculty and students to discuss the topic of Friday’s performance during a workshop on Monday, Feb. 11, at 10 a.m. in 242 Washington Hall. This will give drama students a unique opportunity to interact with an accomplished performer, writer, and producer.

“I think The Apology Project is a perfect opportunity for theatre students to learn more about Greek theatre and the style of acting associated with it,” says Carolyn Cope, associate professor of theatre. “Since several of our students have taken advantage of the Study Abroad program in Greece and have acted with our own Rick Davis in his productions of Oedipus, I felt bringing Mr. Simonides to the ASU campus would enhance their skills in this area. Of course, students of all disciplines will benefit from the experience.”

The performance is free and open to the public; however, ASU students are asked to present their JagCard at the door.

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February 2008
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