Homer: all through the night

This just in...an invitation from The Readers of Homer...

International literary organization The Readers of Homer welcomes you to an  all-night event on November 27 at the 92nd Street Y (Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street, Manhattan):

200 participants of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities will gather to read, one after the other, Homer’s great poem, The Odyssey.

The pre-assigned segments may be offered in English, ancient or Modern Greek, or in any language of the reader’s choice, while the acclaimed English translation by Stanley Lombardo will be projected on a giant screen. Students, teachers, professionals from all fields, children and parents, are invited to experience–as participants or audience members–the life changing pleasures of reading poetry aloud.

Featuring renowned ancient Greek music ensemble Lyravlos, under the direction of Panagiotis Stefos and contemporary dance by the notable Choreo Theatro Company, under the direction of choreographer Irina Constantine Poulos and set to original music by the Slovenian group Silence. 

With the rising of the sun, the event will close with Four Meditations on War, a musical piece scored for bass-baritone and string quartet, conducted by composer Mark Latham. Created during some of the bleakest days of the war in Iraq, the composition reflects the complexity of this foremost Homeric theme, war, and all that arises from it: courage, cowardice, beauty, futility, heroism, love. 

All proceeds benefit the national and international programs of The Readers of Homer. The objectives of the organization include the revival of public reading, the recognition of the eternal immediacy of Homer, the honouring of the international translators of his epics, the offering of a multilayered audiovisual experience to the public, as well as learning and socialization opportunities to thousands of participants. Under the direction of founder Prof. Kathryn Hohlwein and actor/producer Yannis Simonides, and with the support of a multi-talented group of colleagues, the Readers of Homer have recently presented extremely successful Homeric celebrations in the USA, Egypt, Uruguay, Greece, Italy and Turkey, and seek support in order to respond to an increasing number of invitations worldwide.

For participation and additional information, contact Stephania Xydia at 917-671-6984 or Odyssey92Y@gmail.com.