Lawrence University pays homage to the glory of ancient Rome and Greece May 19-23 with its annual Classics Week celebration.
Lawrence President Richard Warch officially opens the week-long salute Monday, May 19 at 11 a.m. with an official proclamation from the steps of his Sampson House office, reaffirming Lawrence¹s commitment to, and the importance of, the study of the classics.
All Classics Week events are free and open to the public. The schedule includes:
Monday, May 19 — “150 Years of Classics in Main Hall.” Daniel Taylor, Hiram A. Jones Professor of Classics at Lawrence, traces the history and evolution of Latin and classics education at Lawrence, from its 1847 founding to the present. Main Hall 201, 4:15 p.m.
Tuesday, May 20 — “Clash of the Titans.” The 1981 film classic that recounts the myth of legendary hero Perseus and the battle among the Greek gods with an all-star cast featuring Harry Hamlin, Maggie Smith, Sir Laurence Olivier and the work of special effects master Ray Harryhausen. Wriston Art Center auditorium, 8 p.m.
Wednesday, May 21 — “Disorder in the Court: Performance and Calculation in Athenian Legal Trials.” Randall McNeill, Lawrence assistant professor of classics, discusses the legal proceedings typically found in ancient Athenian courts and the often off-beat measures plaintiffs and defendants would employ to garner jury sympathy. Main Hall Room 201, 4:15 p.m.
Thursday, May 22 — “The Frogs.” A student reading of Greek playwright Aristophanes’ tale of Dionysus’ journey to Hades in search of Euripides in hopes of bringing him back to earth to restore the lost art of tragedy in Athens. Main Hall south steps, 4:30 p.m. Rain site: Main Hall 104.
Friday, May 23 — “Latin Stories.” Junior Carrie Cleaveland and sophomore Suzanne Henrich present Latin versions of several Dr. Seuss classics. Main Hall south steps, 4:30 p.m. Rain site: Main Hall 104.
