Socrates on trial : a play based on Aristophanes' Clouds and Plato's Apology, Crito, and Phaedo, adapted for modern performance

More than 2,400 years after his death, Socrates remains an iconic but controversial figure. To his followers, he personified progressive Greek ideals of justice and wisdom. To his detractors, he was a corruptor of the young during wartime and one of the reasons Athens had suffered a humiliating defeat to Sparta in 404 BC. Socrates’ story is one of historic proportions and his unyielding pursuit of truth remains controversial and relevant to the present day. Socrates on Trial presents the story of Socrates as told to us by Aristophanes, Plato, Xenophon, and others. The play uses fresh language to emphasize what is important in the works of these ancient authors, while at the same time remaining faithful to the general tenor and tone of their writings. Andrew Irvine has created a script that not only fits comfortably into the space of a single theatrical performance, but is also informative and entertaining. Suited for informal dramatic readings as well as regular theatrical performances, Socrates on Trial will undoubtedly appeal to instructors and students, and its informative introduction enhances its value as a resource. Complete with production and classroom notes, this modern recasting of the Socrates story will make riveting reading both inside and outside the classroom. "More than 2,400 years after his death, Socrates remains an iconic but controversial figure. To his followers, he personified progressive Greek ideals of justice and wisdom. To his detractors, he was a corruptor of the young during wartime and one of the reasons Athens suffered its humiliating defeat at the hands of Sparta in 404 BC. Socrates' story is one of historic proportions and his unyielding pursuit of truth remains controversial and relevant to the present day." "Socrates on Trial presents the story of Socrates as told to us by Aristophaues, Plato, Xenophon, and others. The play uses fresh language to emphasize what is important in the works of these ancient authors, while at the same time remaining faithful to the general tenor and tone of their writings. Andrew Irvine has created a script that not only fits comfortably into the space of a single theatrical performance, but is also informative and entertaining. Suited for informal dramatic readings as well as regular theatrical performances, Socrates on Trial will undoubtedly appeal to instructors and students alike."--Jacket Contents 5 Acknowledgments 7 Introduction 9 Production Notes 29 Classroom Notes 33 Pronunciation of Greek Names 37 Socrates on Trial 43 List of Characters 43 Act One. Clouds 45 Act Two. Apology 81 Act Three. Crito and Phaedo 113 Notes 131 Bibliography 139