WTD/Shaw Library: From Homer to Hip-Hop
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What do ancient Greek poet Homer and today’s hip-hop artists have in common?
More than you might think.
Find out by coming to hear Professor Brett Rogers discuss From Homer to Hip-Hop at the Watha T. Daniel Library this Wednesday at 7 PM.
Participants will discuss how Homer and various Greek poets are, despite their distance in history, very similar to all sorts of modern storytellers and singers -- in particular, filmmakers, writers of comic books and even hip-hop artists. For example, the heroes of Homer's Iliad and Aeschylus' Seven Against Thebes compete with each other in boasts and battle, whereas Homer's Odysseus shows us how a crafty storyteller works and even outsmarts (and gets outsmarted by) his audiences.
Professor Rogers’ lecture at a DC Library branch last month drew a strong attendance and plenty of positive comments. So come hear Professor Rogers!
From Homer to Hip-Hop
Wednesday, May 16
7 PM
Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library
1630 7th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
- 727-1288
http://www.dclibrary.org/watha
The Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library is located by the Howard University/Shaw Metro stop on the Green and Yellow lines. Take the 8th and R Street exit. The library is right across the street.
From Homer to Hip-Hop is part of the Ancient Greeks/Modern Lives series that the DC Public Library system is hosting. The series is made possible by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Participants will “read, see and think about how classical literature influences American culture.”
Additional funding provided by the Friends of the Georgetown Library, Friends of the Palisades Library, Friends of the Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Library, and Friends of the West End Library.
Remaining events scheduled by the DC Public Library system as part of the Ancient Greeks/Modern Lives series include:
Rites of Passage
Changing Worlds, Transforming Lives, with Judith Hallett
Tuesday, May 22, 7 p.m.
3260 R St. NW
We will explore Roman holidays for males in their roles as warriors, participants in the political process and husbands/lovers during the month of March, named after Mars, the Roman god of war, as well as the work of our one surviving Roman female love poet, and the women of Julius Caesar's family. Compare these ancient celebrations with modern holidays such as Mother's Day, the music of Madonna and the connections between love and war!
Acting Workshop with Aquila Theatre Company
Tuesday, May 29, 5:30 pm
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, Great Hall
901 G St. NW
Aquila Theatre Company will present an introduction to acting workshop hosted by three classically trained actors. Participants do not need any acting experience and they can opt to watch rather than participate. The workshop will last approximately one hour, followed by discussion.
Actor-Staged Reading
with Aquila Theatre Company
Tuesday, May 29, 7 pm
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, Great Hall
901 G St. NW
The reading event will include a repertoire of scenes from Greek drama. The event will feature professional actors, will last approximately 90 minutes and will include an introduction, performed readings, a post-show discussion and a town-hall-style meeting, including audience comments.
For the past 20 years, Aquila’s productions have received critical and audience acclaim. The New York Times describes Aquila as “a classically trained, modernly hip troupe.” After the performance, program scholar Brett Rogers will moderate an audience discussion focused on the themes of the program.
Questions: 727-1288 or visit dclibrary.org/ancientgreeks