ºÚÁÏÉç

ARHU in Delphi and Athens, Summer 2008

What can a group of ARHU faculty, students, and administrators, and four large trunks accomplish in Greece?  Answer: One international conference, several theatrical performances in two different cities, and the beginnings of an exchange program with the University of Athens. Ours was not the first university or college to consider venturing down this path with the University of Athens. The University of Michigan had been invited to organize a similar trip, but the Wolverines had given up believing that it was altogether too ambitious.

But "ambitious" is a currency that the School of Arts and Humanities and our Interdisciplinary Center for Hellenic Studies (ICHS) trades in constantly. Led by the indomitable David Roessel and Tom Papademetriou, a conference was hosted inviting scholars from all over the world. In conjunction with that conference, a ºÚÁÏÉç Theatre production of Eugene O'Neill's "Desire Under the Elms" was designed and staged so that it could be sent overseas.

 

Altogether, six faculty members (David Roessel, Pam Hendrick, Rodger Jackson, Tom Papademetriou, Katherine Panagakos, and Mark Mallett), an emeritus professor (Demetrios Constantelos), eight students (Noah Houlihan, Gina Faia, Jaaron Boger, Lane Jackson, Jessica Fricano, Jon Porubsky, Annmarie Kersetter, and Patrick Judd), and the ARHU's Assistant Dean, Nancy Messina, traveled to Delphi and Athens. It was an eventful and memorable trip as the Journal below, updated almost daily based on emails from Nancy Messina and Mark Mallett attests.

 

Journal

Episode 1 (update sent June 24, 2008)

Well our pilgrims have progressed across the pond for our Mayflower traveling theater program. They are now in Delphi, Greece, but they had to go through Dante’s inferno to get there.  Who better to describe this journey into the darkest recesses of the European skyways than our own Mark Mallett? 

It only took us 38 hours to get here, btw. Very late departing JFK, so of course we missed our connection in Paris. They rebooked us on Czech Airways for a 7:00 p.m. departure, with a connection in Prague. Arrived in Prague a bit late, but the connection was on time, so we finally arrived in Athens at 10:30 last night. We were met by a rep from the travel co., bus was ready -- everything looked good until -- guess what -- our 4 trunks failed to appear! After a thorough search of the baggage area and filling out some paperwork, we finally boarded our bus to Delphi at around 2:00  this morning, arriving at our quarters at about 6:00. Sunrise was beautiful! (somewhat sarcastic) Tom and David were waiting for us, so I grabbed a 2-hour nap, shower, and at the first conference session at 8:55. Everybody else is, I believe thankfully still asleep! (It's 11:30 here now).

Still no word on the missing luggage, but other than that everything's going smoothly. Tempers are even, no outbursts or tantrums (I've restrained myself, and the students are doing pretty well too!). Tom assures me we'll get on it after this morning's conference schedule is done, and I've got faith . . .. I've also got real heavy eyelids, so I'm going to sneak another nap in before this afternoon, if I can.

Nancy has been a big help in helping track through this thicket, and I am really glad she's with us -- as well as her international Blackberry!

The students' spirits are still up and they haven’t started yearning for home yet. Hopefully this first trip for some of them outside the US will be one that they will cherish. I will keep you updated as I hear from Nancy and Mark about the conference and the performances of "Desire under the Elms" in Delphi and at the University of Athens.

Nancy Messina wrote:

June 24: Everyone attended a wonderful reading of Susan Glaspell's play "Suppressed Desires," presented by students from The University of Athens and the Polytechnic Institute -- Lina Altiparmaki, Angeliki Kanellou, and Stavros Kalimeres. Dr. Babbis Magoulas, a faculty member from the University of Athens coached the students with dialect and pronunciation.

Earlier in the evening a paper and poetry reading of Angelos Sikelianos' poetry, was presented  by Paul Lorenz, faculty at the University of Arkansas, and by Pine Bluff and ºÚÁÏÉç alumni Brian Hoffman and Christa Fratantoro.

In addition, our RSC students spent time rehearsing for their Delphi premiere.

Episode 2 (update sent June 25, 2008)

The trip has gone very well thus far, and the problem of the boxes and bags not arriving on the plane has been taken care of. The scenery has arrived!

Nancy Messina writes:

June 25: RSC students are off to visit the ruins at Delphi. Professor Panagakos presented a brief, but very engaging lecture prior to our departure.

 

Another beautiful day in Delphi. Stay tuned, more to follow.

 

Episode 3 (update sent June 26, 2008) 

Here's the latest news from Nancy reporting from Delphi. Everything seems to be going very well, and we are very pleased that Mark and Rodger have been purified, and that the Oracle has promised a shorter return journey, unless...

RSC UNDER THE DELPHI SKY

Last night's performance under the Delphi sky was outstanding. The outside venue was a wonderful setting for O'Neill's "Desire." The actors engaged the audience throughout the play. Everyone appreciated experiencing the culmination of the play under the glorious Delphi sunset. In addition to the recorded sound effects, we had the well timed, unexpected contribution of the local goats and their bells. ºÚÁÏÉç and ARHU can be very proud of their students. 

Earlier in the day the group spent time at the Delphi ruins visiting the Gymnasium, and then the Castalian Spring, where everyone purifed themselves before entering the sanctuary. Then we walked along the sacred way, and saw the Omphalos (navel)--since Delphi is the center of the world according to Zeus, as per Professor Panagakos.  We then went to the Temple of Apollo and consulted the Oracle. Our question to the Oracle was "Will it take us 38 hours to return home?" The Oracle responded, "Don't shake the koboloi with your right hand."

This morning's events at the Symposium included papers presented by our own Mark Mallett and Rodger Jackson. Both papers were well received and followed by an interesting and lively Q and A session.

We now head for Athens.

 

Episode 4 (update sent June 27, 2008)

Here's the latest e-missive from Nancy in Athens:

ON THE ROAD TO ATHENS

Thursday, June 26th

The highlight of our trip to Athens yesterday afternoon was a stop for lunch at the family home of Tom Papademetriou, in the village of Tanagra. Tom's parents hosted a luncheon for the group. We were treated to wonderful food and a sampling of local wine.

Before getting back on the bus, we visited The Church of St. Anthony, which was founded by Tom's great grandfather. While visiting the church, we were audience to the local bishop's chanting of the hymn to St. Anthony.

Upon our arrival in Athens we checked into our hotel. Some members of the group visited the rooftop of the hotel where we enjoyed the spectacular view of the Acropolis. Other members of the group spent the evening in the plaka having dinner and shopping.  

Friday, June 27th

After a morning rehearsal, the students accompanied by Katherine Panagakos, Rodger Jackson, and Nancy Messina, spent the afternoon at the Acropolis.  Prior to our entry Professor Panagakos gave a short lecture on the history of the site, its buildings and the mythology. The view of the city from the top of the Acropolis was breathtaking.

 This evening the RSC theatre group -- Rodger Jackson, Noah Houlihan, Gina Faia, Jaaron Boger, Lane Jackson, Jessica Fricano -- with sound designer Jon Porubsky, stage mananger Annmarie Kersetter and assistant manager Patrick Judd, will be performing O'Neill's "Desire" at the Courtyard, University of Athens.

We wish them the best with this evening's performance, and look forward to sending you an update about it.

 

Episode 5 (update sent June 29, 2008)

Good news!  The students and Rodger Jackson returned safely to JFK without enduring another 38-hour trip.

Here's Nancy's latest update from Athens:

Saturday, June 28th

I am pleased to write that the ARHU Theatre Program gave two memorable performances under the Athens sky, June 26th and 27th. Although the performance space at the Courtyard, University of Athens presented a few challenges, the creative team of Director Pam Hendrick and Lighting Designer Mark Mallett reconfigured the set to work extremely well within the framework of the new setting.  

All the actors quickly adapted to the new environment. The audience especially enjoyed the Greek translations by chorus member Jess Fricano, translated by our own Demetrios Constantelos, and coaching pronunciation assistance by Katherine Panagakos.

Representatives from our host school were in attendance during Saturday evening's performance. Professor Iosif Vivilakis and Department Chair Nasos Vayenas, were extremely pleased with the outcome of this initial collaborative effort, the product of the efforts of Professors David Roessel and Tom Papademetriou, and indicated their interest, enthusiasm and support for future projects between RCS and University of Athens.

Sunday, June 30th 

A 4:30am hotel checkout and departure for the students and Rodger Jackson began the adventure home. Pam Hendrick and Nancy Messina saw the group off and wished them a safe journey home. Professor Jackson promised to let us know of their safe arrival in NYC.  Hopefully their Odyssey home will be uneventful.

I also want to let you know that we plan to share photos from the trip on the ARHU web page.  In addition, our sound designer Jon Porubsky will be editing the footage he shot while on the trip, which we look forward to possibly including in an upcoming ARHU Presents.

Episode 6 (update sent, July 1, 2008)

Nancy and Katherine Panagakos are now visiting an RSC student, Victoria Conover, who is staying on the island of Paros, before returning to Athens to further our connections with the University of Athens (along with Tom Papademetriou and David Roessel).  Thanks to all who have been working on this project, and congratulations on the successful outcome of the traveling production of "Desire."

Episode 7 (July 3, 2008) 

The rest of the Greek troupe are on their way home, returning to JFK sometime today.  Here is Nancy's last update regarding the meeting with University of Athens administrators:

Tom Papademetriou, Katherine Panagakos and Nancy Messina met with officials at the University of Athens to discuss the procedure required to develop a formal collaborative exchange program between the University of Athens and Richard ºÚÁÏÉç College.

The meeting with Vice Rector Karakostas, International Relations Department Head Elias Marsellos, and Theatre Professor Iosif Vivilakis was very productive.

Tom Papademetriou and Nancy Messina