November 9, Wednesday, 7pm “Aeschylus’ Oresteia: From vendetta and retribution to civil institutions and community strength: a talk in two parts” 

Joanna Bertsekas, Ph.D, will summarize briefly Aeschylus’ Oresteia trilogy and explain the main theme which is the transformation of justice (Dike) from retribution, to the rule of law.  Aeschylus wrote his trilogy as the Polis (Athens) was entering the period of direct Democracy and was strengthening its legal and social institutions.

Joanna Bertsekas is a docent at the Museum of Fine Arts where for nine years she has been conducting tours for the Education department. Images of the Oresteia plays by Aeschylus are represented on vases in the MFA’s renowned Ancient Greek collection. The plays still inspire people around the world and the trilogy is frequently performed on stage.