Socrates trial presented at the Archeological Museum of Thessaloniki in Ancient Greek

Plato’s work in Ancient Greek with English subtitles

Plato’s Apology that presents the famous trial of Philosopher Socrates will be played in the original ancient Greek language for one night at the foyer of the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki on Saturday evening.

Director Dimos Avdeliodis presents Plato’s version of the speech given by Socrates to defend himself in 399 BC against the charges of “corrupting youth and not believing in the gods in whom the city believes”. It is the only non-dialectic play of Plato, but also the only one in which he describes himself as present and active in the judicial process.

The reason why the play is being presented in the ancient Greek language is to retain the musicality of the language of the text because translations change the musicality of the words can be expressed through the voice. Avdeliodis says that “a translation is a form of misinterpretation of the concepts expressed by words. Without voice we have a dead text,” he added.

The play was first presented at the ancient theatre of Larisa, after which it toured the country.

The show, which will include modern Greek and English subtitles. It kicks off at 8.30 p.m. with ticket prices at 10 euros.

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