Tuesday, April 1 at 7 p.m. at the Harris Theater
Nationally renowned attorneys and judges announced for staged ancient Greek trial about controversial Athenian hero Themistocles
CHICAGO (February 18, 2025)—The National Hellenic Museum (NHM) presents the next installation of its popular Trial series with The Trial of Themistocles on Tuesday, April 1 at 7 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.) at the Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph Street in Chicago. At this dynamic live event, nationally renowned attorneys will argue a case regarding Themistocles, one of ancient Athens’ most celebrated yet controversial figures, before a panel of esteemed judges and a live audience.
The Trial of Themistocles is a fundraiser supporting NHM’s mission to share Greek history, art, culture, and the Greek American story. For tickets and more information, visit nationalhellenicmuseum.org/trial2025.
An outstanding legal team will present the cases for and against Themistocles during the April 1 event. Representing the prosecution are Sarah F. King (Clifford Law Offices PC), Patrick A. Salvi II (Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard PC), and Karen Conti (Conti & Dolan). Representing the defense of Themistocles are Patrick M. Collins (King & Spalding LLP), Tinos Diamantatos (Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP,) and Katerina Alexopoulos (U.S. Department of Homeland Security).
Judges presiding at The Trial of Themistocles are Justice Joy V. Cunningham (Illinois Supreme Court), Hon. Georgia N. Alexakis (U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois), Hon. Anthony C. Kyriakopoulos (Circuit Court of Cook County) and Hon. Jeffery Chrones (Circuit Court of Cook County).
Demonstrating the enduring relevance of ancient disputes, the NHM Trial series has grown since its inception in 2013, including receiving several regional Emmy Award nominations. The Trial of Themistocles explores the tension between public service and personal ambition. Themistocles made Athens the world’s foremost naval power, and he was the supreme commander of the Battle of Salamis, the turning point in the Persian War. However, he was later accused of betraying Athens to its greatest rival, when after the war he entered the service of the Persian King Ataxerxes I—son of the very king Themistocles defeated during the Persian War. Audience members will cast their votes to decide the final verdict: hero or traitor?
Tickets for the National Hellenic Museum’s The Trial of Themistocles on Tuesday, April 1 at 7 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.) at the Harris Theater (205 E. Randolph Street, Chicago) are now on sale for $100, with student tickets available for $40 with proof of ID. Attorneys who attend this event will qualify for 1.5 hours of continuing legal education (CLE). For more information and to purchase tickets, visit nationalhellenicmuseum.org/trial2025 or call 312-655-1234.
“Featuring some of today’s premier legal minds in a contemporary courtroom setting, The Trial of Themistocles continues our exploration of how the ancient Greeks grappled with timeless controversies that continue to shape our modern society,” say NHM Executive Director Marianne Kountoures. “This is a rare opportunity for people to see some of the best attorneys in the nation argue a historic case before a distinguished panel of judges. Filled with unscripted, authentic drama and legal acumen, this is a thought-provoking event for general audiences as well as legal professionals.”
The Trial of Themistocles Committee includes NHM Trustees Andrea Darlas, Hon. Anna H. Demacopoulos (Ret.) and John V. Kalantzis, and Jim Sotos.
The dynamic NHM Trial Series highlights the enduring relevance and value of Greek thought and history and supports the mission of the National Hellenic Museum. It has grown both in reputation and following since its inception in 2013. In 2016, NHM’s The Trial of Antigone was broadcast on WTTW TV (PBS Chicago) and in May 2017 it was nominated for a Midwest regional Emmy Award. Subsequent NHM Trial Series events have also aired on public television and received regional Emmy nominations. Since 2017, the annual event has been qualified by the Illinois Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission (IARDC) for continuing legal education (CLE) credit. Attorneys attending the event can register for CLE credit on site.
About the National Hellenic Museum
The National Hellenic Museum (NHM) has a mission to share Greek history, art, culture and the Greek American story. NHM preserves the Hellenic legacy and makes this rich heritage relevant today through its extensive collection of more than 10,000 physical artifacts, hundreds of oral histories, exhibitions, educational programs and special events. Originally founded in 1983 and located in Chicago’s historic Greektown neighborhood since 2011, NHM provides lifelong learning for the community and sparks inquiry and discussion about the broader issues in our lives and society. Regular Museum hours are Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information, visit nationalhellenicmuseum.org or call 312-655-1234.