The National Hellenic Museum’s popular Trial series returns with
The Trial of Pericles
Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at 7 p.m. at the Harris Theater
Nationally renowned attorneys take on an ancient Greek case regarding
Pericles, the great hero of Athenian democracy
Sarah F. King, partner at Clifford Law Offices, conducts a direct examination of Socrates during The Hellenic Museum’s 2023 Trial of Socrates. She led the defense team to a successful verdict.
The National Hellenic Museum (NHM) presents the next installation of its popular Trial series—which demonstrates the enduring relevance of ancient disputes and supports the mission of the museum—with The Trial of Pericles on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at 7 p.m. at the Harris Theater (205 E. Randolph Street, Chicago). At this dynamic live event, nationally renowned attorneys will argue a case regarding Pericles, the great hero of Athenian democracy, before a panel of celebrated judges. Audience members will cast their votes to decide the final verdict: hero or tyrant? For more information, visit here.
The Trial of Pericles is nearly 2,500 years in the making. In 451 B.C.E., Pericles changed the Athenian Constitution to restrict citizenship to those born to two Athenian parents. He said this action was necessary to protect Athens from foreign influence, while many others saw this as unjust because citizens lost their civil liberties, including the right to vote. Some speculated Pericles would have faced trial for his actions had he survived the Great Plague of Athens. Now, the National Hellenic Museum brings together top litigators to argue the case and determine whether Athens’ revered statesman truly attacked democracy.
An outstanding legal team will present the cases for and against Pericles during the April 17 event: Katerina Alexopoulos (U.S. Department of Homeland Security), Patrick M. Collins (King & Spalding LLP), Tinos Diamantatos (Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP), Sarah F. King (Clifford Law Offices PC), James C. Pullos (Clifford Law Offices PC) and Patrick A. Salvi II (Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard PC). Participating judges will be announced in the coming weeks. The Trial of Pericles event co-chairs are NHM Trustees Konstantinos Armiros, counsel at Saul Ewing LLP, and Judge Anna Demacopoulos(Ret.).
Tickets for the National Hellenic Museum’s The Trial of Pericles on Wednesday, April 17 at 7 p.m. at the Harris Theater (205 E. Randolph Street, Chicago) are now on sale for $100, with student tickets available for $50 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 the museum’s website or call 312-655-1234.
“We are proud to present the ninth installment of our popular NHM Trial Series. Utilizing some of today’s premier legal minds in a contemporary courtroom setting, The Trial of Pericles will continue our exploration of how the ancient Greeks grappled with timeless controversies that continue to shape modern society,” says NHM Trustee Konstantinos Armiros, counsel at Saul Ewing LLP. “This is a rare opportunity for people to see some of the best attorneys in the nation argue a historic case with unscripted, authentic drama and legal acumen.”
“NHM’s Trial of Pericles provides an opportunity for audience members to decide the verdict of an imagined ancient Greek trial,” adds NHM Trustee and Judge Anna Demacopoulos (Ret.). “They will have front-row seats marveling at some of the most talented trial lawyers in the country, and hear the wisdom of distinguished members of the judiciary, as the evidence unfolds on stage to determine whether Pericles was a hero or tyrant. This thought-provoking event explores ancient topics that are still relevant today: the struggles of political leaders, the fragility of citizenry, and how a thriving democracy must balance both.”
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. 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, the museum 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. Learn more at nationalhellenicmuseum.org.