RETRIAL OF SOCRATES
Melbourne's Hellenic Museum conducted a re-trial of Socrates in 2015. Socrates was originally prosecuted for impiety and corrupting the youth in 399 BC. The re-trial saw four barristers argue about Socrates' guilt before a panel of Victorian Supreme and County Court judges. It also included an introductory performance by actors playing Socrates (Tony Nikolakopoulos) and one of his prosecutors, Meletos (Lex Marinos). Christopher was responsible for providing background information to the barristers and judges, writing the script for Socrates and Meletos and hosting the evening.
In case you're wondering - Socrates was acquitted this time!
Read about the re-trial in Neos Kosmos, Themanews and Greek Reporter.
TRIAL OF MEDEA
In 2022, the Hellenic Museum conducted another mock trial, this time of the mythological character Medea. Medea is infamous for murdering her children after being abandonned by her husband Jason.
Two barristers argued their cases before a panel of three County Court judges. Actors Carolyn Bock and Dino Marnika also performed as Medea and Jason in a short script written by Christopher based on Euripides' play Medea.
In addition to writing the script for the actors, Christopher prepared background information to inform the barristers and judges.
The judges found Medea not guilty. However, the audience was also given a chance to pass judgement and they found her guilty.
You can watch Christopher talking about his work on both events at the 2021 Ancient World Festival.
WINGED SANDALS
Christopher was the Principal Researcher for the ABC's award-winning website Winged Sandals. His role included providing background information on ancient Greek myths, society and architecture and working with animators and programmers to bring myths to life. A particular highlight was developing an interactive Delphic oracle.
